Formatting Phone Numbers & Descending Equation

I need some basic help and would appreciate any tips.

1) My first problem is that I am trying to format a row of existing phone numbers into phone number format. As of now, it's just 10 digits that are hard to read. I've tried custom formatting the row of cells by applying (###) ###-####. This has worked on new worksheets in which the row is formatted before putting in new numbers. For some reason, however, it's not working on the row that is already populated.


2) I am trying to create a descending equation referencing a single cell. Example: F5=7. I want G to represent G1*F5; G2*F5, etc. I can't figure out how to pull down either G1 or G2 (formatted to multiply F5) so that it applies to the entire row in G.

I know these are novice questions but would appreciate any help.

Worked perfect for # 2, thanks.

For question 1, it's just a descending row of 10 digits each (so, each cell in E has 10 digits). I would like to format them is phone numners: (###) ###-####

Originally Posted by Pepe Le Mokko

As you say it does not work on already populated cells, it would be easier to see the sheet

In all honesty, the list does have a lot of private information. It's for work, and the numbers relate to some of our clients with other information.

Again, just to reiterate:

I have a column with phone-numbers. They are not in phone format, so only appear as a string of 10 digits. I have tried highlighting the column, and formatting as Special>Phone Number, and also as custom (###) ###-####. Neither convert the column to the phone format.

I have read elsewhere that doing this will, in fact, not convert numbers already in the column. Just for new numbers I put in.

Does anyone have a notion on Subbing with a new column; I don't know how to do that, but somehow creating a new column, then subbing in ()'s and dashes?? Then, once the numbers appear correctly, deleting the old column??

Someone has to have run into this basic phone format problem before. I can't believe Excel makes it so difficult to fix.

Attachment 192676

Ok, here is an example of the column. FYI - I tried customzing this one into phone format and it worked fine. I don't know why it won't work for the other doc.

Thank you for checking out.

Can you tell me how to do the 1st 3 steps manually? I selected/highlighted the column (not sure if that's what you mean) -- but don't know how to do 'Data text to columns, finish' -- sorry, I'm new at this!

Nvm, found out how. Thanks again for your help -worked perfectly, really appreciate it!!