how do I set the decimal?

Hi marybeth,

Cells set to contain numbers (including those set to Currency) have a control with which you can set the number of places after the decimal. The setting can be applied to a group of cells by selecting those cells, then taking the steps below:

Here, I want to use column E to hold a set of numbers set to display 2 digits after the decimal.

After selecting the cells, click the format brush to open the Format inspector, then click Cell to indicate you want to change the format used in the cell.

Set the format for values in the cell to Number (or Currency), using the the menu bar (currently showing Number), then used the stepper below that to change Auto to the number of decimal places you want to see.

All selected cells are now set to display numbers with that many places after the decimal, as seen in the examples below. Each of these numbers includes the same entered value in columns D and E. D has been left set to Number, Auto; E is set as shown.

Note that setting the display format does NOT change the actual value in the cell. Each cell in column E contains the same number as the one on the same row of column D, but displays that value rounded to the nearest hundredth.

If you want to change the actual value, you'll need to use the ROUND function to round the entered number to the second place after the decimal (hundredths).

Regards,

Barry