XL: Negative Date/Time Value Displayed as Pound Signs (###) (182247)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2000
  • Microsoft Excel 2002
This article was previously published under Q182247
For a Microsoft Excel 98 version of this article, see 192291.
For a Microsoft Excel 97 and earlier version of this article, see 112361.

SYMPTOMS

In Excel 2000 and later, when the results of a formula produce a negative value, and this data is formatted to display a time value or date value, the cell displays pound signs, as in the following example: 
   ########
NOTE: This also occurs when you directly type a negative value into the cell.

CAUSE

This behavior will occur if the following conditions are true:
  • Microsoft Excel is set to use the 1900 date system

    -and-

  • The value in the cell is a negative number (less than zero).

    -and-

  • The cell is formatted as a date or a time.

RESOLUTION

To display the number correctly, do either of the following:
  • Change the date system to the 1904 date system.

    -or-
  • Use the TEXT worksheet function to change the displayed result.

Steps to Change to the 1904 Date System

  1. Open, or switch to, the workbook.
  2. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Calculation tab.
  3. Click to select the 1904 Date System check box.
  4. Click OK.

Using the TEXT Function

You can use the TEXT function to change the display of the negative number. For example, if you are subtracting A2 from A1 and you want the results displayed as a time format, you can use a formula similar to the following:

=TEXT(ABS(A1-A2),"-h:mm:ss")

where A1 has a value smaller than A2.

The above formula will display the value as text. You may need to format the cell alignment to right justified.

WARNING: This is not an acceptable workaround if you need to use the result in another calculation.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/4/2003
Keywords:kbprb KB182247
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.