change a positive number to negative

  • Thread starter Thread starter MICHALK
  • Start date Start date
Multiply the number by -1 to reverse its sign:

A1: -10

=A1*-1 returns 10

A1: 10

=A1*-1 returns -10
 
Try the below

--Enter -1 in a cell and copy the cell
--Keeping the copy; select the data range to be converted (say A1:A100).
--Press F5. From Goto window>Special> select 'Multiply' and hit OK

If this post helps click Yes
 
Try this:

=MIN(A1,-A1)

This will keep negative numbers and turn positive numbers to negative.

Hope this helps.

Pete
 
Try these.
1. When entering the number, put a minus sign in front of it.
2. If your positivie number is in cell A1, enter =-a1 in, say cell b1.
3. If you have a group of mixed numbers (positive and negative), use an IF
statement in cell b1. E.g. =if(a1>=0,a1,-a1) and copy.
 
Jacob Skaria said:
Try the below

--Enter -1 in a cell and copy the cell
--Keeping the copy; select the data range to be converted (say A1:A100).
--Press F5. From Goto window>Special> select 'Multiply' and hit OK

If this post helps click Yes
Click to expand...

Thanks...but I don't have Multiply as an option in that menu.
 
If your postitive number is in A1, =-A1 will give you the negative number.
Otherwise you put -1 in a spare cell, Copy, then select the cell(s)
containing your positive number(s), and Edit/ Paste Special/ Multiply (or
Divide).

The simple thing to remember is that Excel uses a hyphen as a minus sign.
 
NonTechie said:
Try these.
1. When entering the number, put a minus sign in front of it.
2. If your positivie number is in cell A1, enter =-a1 in, say cell b1.
3. If you have a group of mixed numbers (positive and negative), use an IF
statement in cell b1. E.g. =if(a1>=0,a1,-a1) and copy.

"MICHALK" wrote:
Click to expand...

Thanks...but I was hoping to find a faster way to switch a range.
 
Pleaes note that this option will only work if you have only +ve numbers in
your selection....or else you will have to use a helper column with a
formula..
 
Jacob Skaria said:
Pleaes note that this option will only work if you have only +ve numbers in
your selection....or else you will have to use a helper column with a
formula..
Click to expand...

Paste special....
OK......but that doesn't change the positive # that's already there.
 
Michal, Are you sure you entered -1 to a cell and copied the cell and
***selected *** the +ve numbers to be converted and did the paste
special...It works even if the number cells are formatted to text..
 
Pete_UK said:
Try this:

=MIN(A1,-A1)

This will keep negative numbers and turn positive numbers to negative.

Hope this helps.

Pete



.
Thanks, but was wanting something faster....want values only.
Click to expand...
 
Jacob Skaria said:
Michal, Are you sure you entered -1 to a cell and copied the cell and
***selected *** the +ve numbers to be converted and did the paste
special...It works even if the number cells are formatted to text..
Click to expand...

Jacob,

Thank you soooo much. Followed your advice and hit escape and it worked!!!
 
Back
Top