XL: Zip Codes in Data Map Must Be Formatted with Zip Code Style (131929)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2000
  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q131929

SYMPTOMS

If you select a column of unformatted ZIP codes and you attempt to create a Data Map object from this information, you receive the following error message in Microsoft Excel version 7.0:
A column of data in your selection must contain geographical data.
In Microsoft Excel 97 and later, no error message is displayed, but no data is added to the chart.

CAUSE

When you create a Data Map object that is based on ZIP codes, the ZIP codes must be formatted with the special Zip Code number format.

WORKAROUND

To format a range of ZIP codes, follow these steps:
  1. On the Format menu, click Cells.
  2. Click the Number tab.
  3. In the Category list, click Special.
  4. In the Type list, click the Zip Code or the Zip Code + 4 format.

STATUS

This behavior is by design to prevent the possible misinterpretation of numeric data as ZIP codes.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/15/2005
Keywords:kbualink97 KB131929
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