I type text into a cell and get pound signs instead

  • Thread starter Thread starter r1971
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r1971

I have free text fields in a spreadsheet I developed so co-workers can
provide status updates on their work. Occasionally, when someone types in a
status update, the cell only displays pound signs (################). If I
select that cell, the text appears in the formula bar, but the active cell
just shows pound signs. It doesn't seem to be related to the amount of text
that was typed, because other text entries are longer but they display just
fine in the cell. How do I fix this? Thank you.
 
If there is nothing in the cell to the right it will usually run on across,
if you want to only display within the cell text is entered and get the pound
signs it is usually because the column is to narrow, just widen it and you
can see all the text.

Mike Rogers
 
Thanks for the reply, but I have "Word Wrap" activated. So that should
alleviate that problem. However, I did go ahead and widen the column to the
width of my monitor to see what would happen...no luck!
 
Just out of curiosity - what happens when you change the number format - if
that cell - to "General" !?
Micky
 
Excel has a problem with cells formatted as text where the value is between 255
and 1024 characters long. Formatting as General will fix the display.
 
That did it...thank you!

מיכ×ל (מיקי) ×בידן said:
Just out of curiosity - what happens when you change the number format - if
that cell - to "General" !?
Micky
 
That did it...thank you!!

Dave Peterson said:
Excel has a problem with cells formatted as text where the value is between 255
and 1024 characters long. Formatting as General will fix the display.
 
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