how do i type a long column of negative #s without using the negative key or parenthesis

I have many columns. I have to type the numbers as negative numbers by keying in the "minus" key and then the number. The cell is formatted to automatically change the negative number to the same number but with parenthesis. Easy enough. But there are quite a few columns for the negative numbers and tons of rows. It will be so time-consuming to type in the "minus" sign for each and every cell.

I have to use the template made by another person and the person has set up the spreadsheet so that if a negative number is entered, it will automatically get parenthesis. But to get the parenthesis, I need to type in the minus key (which is the problem as it seems such a waste of keystrokes to be inserting a "minus" sign before all the numbers.

Can someone tell me if I can type the numbers as if they were positive numbers and then somehow format the entire column to change the numbers to negative values and to be displayed with parenthesis. (ie/ I type the number 234. I want its value to be negative 234 and to be displayed with parenthesis).

PLS HELP !!! I AM REALLY HOPING EXCEL HAS SOME SORT OF BUILT IN FEATURE TO DO ABOVE.

Plus, how do I search the threads to see if this question has already been posed?

put -1 in another cell
copy
select range of +ve numbers
paste special multiply

Im not aware of any built in excel fucntion but a worksheet change macro could do the job.

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Originally Posted by martindwilson

put -1 in another cell
copy
select range of +ve numbers
paste special multiply

i am sooooooo thankful for your reply - you have just saved me major major time and needless error risk if i were to have to type the minus sign for the seemingly endless column of numbers. Thank you so very much !!!!

Originally Posted by mike7952

im not aware of any built in excel fucntion but a worksheet change macro could do the job.

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thank you very much for your reply. Someone else posted an answer which has solved my problem. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness. I love this excel forum !!!