How to add leading zeros in Excel

Microsoft Excel offers users various features to ensure it remains as functional as possible. However, sometimes the functions it offers its users can prevent them from completing tasks. One feature they have implemented that frustrates many users is the ability to format numbers according to what has been written. For instance, if a user types in numbers with a few zeros before, Microsoft Excel will automatically remove those zeros and just keep the number as a whole. Here I will show you how to prevent this from happening and how you can add leading zeros onto other numbers within the program.

To add a leading zero to a cell that consists of numbers in Excel, you will need to change the formatting of those cells. To add a leading zero, you need to add a custom numbers format which will automatically add a leading zero depending on what is required. A custom numbers formatting will override Excel’s general formatting to format its numbers. There is no need to either try and forcefully add a zero before a piece of text or try to add additional characters before the zero to keep it. You can add a leading zero without any issues using the method illustrated below.

  • Firstly, open your Excel document. 
  • Now select the cells you need to apply the formatting to. 
  • From there, click on “Home.” 
  • Now click on the drop-down next to the current format. 
  • Click on “More number formats.” 
  • From the bar at the top, select “Number.” 
  • Now click on the option for “Custom.” 
  • Where it says type, input the number 0. 
  • Press “OK” to complete the process. 

The automatic formatting will be applied to all the cells that you have selected. When you type a number into those cells, a zero will be added before them. However, ensure the number of zeros in the type does not exceed the number of digits in your cell. If you have certain cells with more digits than others, you can custom select them and add additional zeros to ensure a leading zero has been added to those cells. You must make sure that all the steps above are complete before you proceed to have a leading zero added before the number. If you are struggling to navigate through the excel UI or trying to add a leading zero onto a number, you can use the in-depth guide to help. 

An in-depth guide on how to add leading zeros in Excel

Sometimes it could be quite intimidating to navigate through the Microsoft Excel UI. You need to understand many functions and different formatting procedures, so navigating through the process would be quite difficult. However, we have provided an in-depth guide through the Microsoft Excel UI. We have also provided screenshots allowing you to navigate the Microsoft Excel UI without problems. Use our in-depth analysis if you encounter any issues to gain further information on the steps. 

  • Firstly, open your Excel document. 

You will first need to open an Excel document to begin the process. You can choose a current one, or you can choose a new document with information that you want to add. Regardless of what you require, the process will work on the numbers that have been added to the sheet. 

  • Now select the cells you need to apply the formatting to. 

There isn’t a limit on how many cells you can apply conditional formatting to. You can select all the cells within the sheet if you require. Once you have selected all the cells you need, you can proceed with the steps shown. 

  • From there, click on “Home.”
  • Now click on the drop-down next to the current format.

You will need to change the formatting of all the cells within the sheet using the method soon here. To proceed, you need to add a custom format to all the cells selected in Excel. 

  • Click on “More number formats.”
  • From the bar at the top, select “Number.”
  • Now click on the option for “Custom.”
  • Where it says type, input the number 0. 

The number of zeros you add will vary depending on the number of leading zeros you want within the cell. If you require more than one zero, you can type as many as you require. 

  • Press “OK” to complete the process. 

You have successfully managed to add a leading zero in front of numbers in Microsoft Excel once the steps above are complete. Upon completing the steps, you can add a number within a cell formatted using the steps above. Once you add a number, a zero will be added automatically. You need to add no additional changes or formulas to ensure there is a zero before the number. You must ensure that all the cells needing a leading zero have been formatted using the steps above. 

Why may you want a leading zero in Excel?

There are multiple data-related reasons why you may want a leading zero in front of numbers in Excel. One such reason is if you have a data set that requires you to have a zero before the number. For instance, if you have a data set that requires two or more digits to appear per cell, you can use this method to ensure that single-digit numbers have a zero before them. To have a configuration where a single digit has a zero before it, you simply type a 0 in the type box when completing the steps. 

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our content on how you can add a leading zero in Microsoft Excel. We have given you a step-by-step guide on adding a leading zero within the program. A leading zero will ensure you can use the method shown above if you need multiple digits to appear within cells. You can use the in-depth guide for more information if you require further assistance. We have also given you more information on where you may want to use leading zeros in Microsoft Excel. If you need more assistance, you can simply drop a comment below, and we will address your issues. 

Saajid Gangat

Saajid Gangat has been a researcher and content writer at Business Tech Planet since 2021. Saajid is a tech-savvy writer with expertise in web and graphic design and has extensive knowledge of Microsoft 365, Adobe, Shopify, WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and more! You can connect with Saajid on Linkedin.

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