Fill number cell which requires input with permanent message/ word

[amy1]

Hi,

The title doesn't explain this very well!

There is a column of cells set to number which requires input into each cell. Some will require an input of quantity and some will require an input of m2 etc. These cells are part of a calculation for price so the numbers entered will be part of a formula in another cell.

I would like to put 'm2' in some cells to indicate that this is the type of data that needs to be entered. Is it possible to enter this in the cell and have it stay there permanently regardless of numbers being entered into the cell?

Thanks,
Amy

[alansidman]

No. But what about adding a comment that appears when the cell has focus. Not sure where that is located on a Mac, but in Excel 2003, it is on the Insert Menu.

[amy1]

Yes, that would be a good idea.

Thanks!

[jeffreybrown]

Hi Amy,

To follow-on to Alan's comments, you can also use a Data Validation message to show the user the input message when you click the cell.

To get the "m2" to show up even when a number is entered, use a custom format

Custom Format

• Right click cell (or Ctrl + 1)
• Format Cells
• Number
• Custom
• Type: "m2 "0

Now if you enter 123, the cell will show m2 123, but the cell will still be a number.

[amy1]

Brilliant! Thank you

Amy

[jeffreybrown]

You are welcome Amy, we are happy to have helped.

[alansidman]

@Jeff;
Great idea. Had not thought of using DV. Makes a lot of sense. Need to store that in the back of my mind.