numbers 3 (mac) - scientific format within equation

I don't understand what you're getting at. The problem is we cannot type scientific format numbers anywhere in a formula. For the simplest example, type =1e-3 into a cell and it will result in an error as it tries to turn the "e" into column reference "E". You can type 1e-3 into a cell without the "=" but not with it.

Do you get an error message that indicates it is trying to turn this into a cell reference? (I can't duplicate the problem, because I am still using Numbers 2.) I guessed that Numbers 3 just didn't accept scientific notation as an acceptable format for a literal number in a formula.

As you are typing the formula, as soon as you type the "e", Numbers 3 turns it into a column reference (the letter in a colored oval). You can hit ESC immediately after typing the "e" and the "E" column reference will become text in the formula and all will look good until you accept the formula then it parses it back into a reference and gives you an error. No way I see to use scientific format in a formula. Numbers 2 did not have this problem.

Hi Badunit,

The parser is getting the "e" out of context.

Or maybe not. My terse reply to Taldavid was in response to Taldavid's rude reply to Jeff's helpful suggestion.

Here is the explanation:

Column B is formatted as Scientific.

C2 (Number) shows the value (=B2) that makes more sense to me.

D2 is Number

E2 (Scientific) =B2×D2

F2 (Number) shows decimal value (=E2)

Regards,

Ian.

Hi Badunit and Jeff,

In Numbers 3, use quotes around the scientific format in a formula 🙂.

="1e-3"×B2

Regards,

Ian.

I coulda sworn I tried that and got an error but, sure enough, it does seem to work. And it is exportable to Excel.

Given that you might have to put parentheses around the number in a lot of cases, the addition of quotes isn't such a big deal.

Still, the parser is getting it wrong.

Hi Tal,

I'm glad the solution worked. Keep posting in Apple Support Communities with your questions - and ideas that work. No-one here knows for sure which direction Apple is taking, so don't hold your breath for Numbers 3 to evolve the way you (and me, and many others) hope. All we can do is look for ways to help each other. Always look on the bright side of life!

Regards,

Ian.

"I hope Apple will take care of this soon..."

Hi Tal,

Don't just 'hope,' Provide Numbers Feedback requesting this fix. You'll find the Provide Numbers Feedback item in the Numbers menu in Numbers.

Regards,

Barry

Write the expression in a cell formatted as scientific notation and use an absolute reference to that cell in the formula.

I see. Numbers thinks it is so smart and changes the exponent "e" to the column reference "E". Sorry, I do not know how to overcome it.

The parser is getting the "e" out of context. I put in a bug report. You might want to do the same via the menu item Numbers/Provide Numbers Feedback

Thanks for the clarification.