XL2002: Excel Converts The Letter "B" to a Number When Used in Custom Date Format (294754)




This article was previously published under Q294754

SYMPTOMS

When you use the letter "B" in a custom date format, Microsoft Excel converts the letter to a number in the formatted cell.

CAUSE

The letter "B" is used a prefix in the Hijdri calendar that some Arabic countries use. Therefore, if you use "B" as a prefix in a date format, Excel adjusts the date to display the year according to the Hijdri calendar.

RESOLUTION

To use the letter "B" in a date format, enclose it in quotation marks when you create the custom format. For an example of how to do this, follow these steps:
  1. In cell A1, type 6:00.
  2. Select cell A1. On the Format menu, click Cells.
  3. In the Format Cells dialog box, click the Number tab. In the Category list, click Custom.
  4. In the Type box, type the following custom format:

    "B"\/[h]:mm

  5. Click OK.
Cell A1 displays B/6:00.
Modification Type: Minor Last Reviewed: 1/6/2006
Keywords: kbnofix kbprb KB294754
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