Expert Solution - Excel COLUMN Problems

Question description:
This user has given permission to use the problem statement for this blog.

hi i need to change all the numbers in a column to negative ones?

Solved by D. D. in 21 mins

This is the chat thread from the real Excelchat help session. It contains no private user information.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:34

Hello, I understand that you need help in converting all your numbers in a column to negative numbers, right?

User 26/07/2018 - 12:34

yeah asn an example all of these would need A - infront of them

User 26/07/2018 - 12:35

yeah as an example all of these would need a - in front of them

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:35

Alright, I can help you with this. Before we proceed, this is a reminder that our policy is 1 question per session so for this session we'll be resolving this particular question. We also currently do not support VBA/Macro solutions.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:35

Easiest way to do this is to simply multiply your values to -1

User 26/07/2018 - 12:36

im completly new to this

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:36

If you'll look at the formula in column D, I've multiplied the values by -1 and you'll see the result.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:36

Select cell D5 and you will see the formula in the formula bar.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:37

You are doing it wrong.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:37

Please undo.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:37

Try it in B2.

User 26/07/2018 - 12:38

sorry

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:38

You have to type the formula in another cell, otherwise, the formula won't work.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:38

=A2*-1 The formula means you are multiplying the value of A2 to -1.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:38

So if you want to convert A3, then change A2 to A3 in the formula.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:39

You changed it to C5 but your cell C5 does not have a value yet.

User 26/07/2018 - 12:40

how would i do this to a who;e column

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:41

You will first type the formula in the first cell.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:41

Then select that cell, click and hold the tiny box in the bottom right corner and drag it downwards

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:42

There you go.

User 26/07/2018 - 12:43

this is the one i need to do it to

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:44

Why are some of your data already in the negative?

User 26/07/2018 - 12:44

that was me trying to get through it

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:44

So all your numbers are POSITIVE?

User 26/07/2018 - 12:44

yeah

User 26/07/2018 - 12:44

yeah

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:44

Do you just want this solved or do you want to learn it?

User 26/07/2018 - 12:45

i need to learn for the future if i need to do it a gain

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:45

Okay, remember the formula I gave you earlier?

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:45

=A2*-1

User 26/07/2018 - 12:45

but i would also apreacate if you you help solve it to

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:45

This is converting whatever the value is in A2 to negative.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:46

Since you data starts in G2 then you must change A2 to G2.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:46

And watch where you are typing.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:46

You must type it in H2 or right next to it.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:46

It won't make sense if you type it on top.

User 26/07/2018 - 12:49

im sorry i reall am trying

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:50

Type this in H2 = G2*-1

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:50

Remember, you have to type the formula right next to the value you are trying to convert.

Excelchat Expert 26/07/2018 - 12:50

DO you see the column letters and row numbers?