Microsoft KB Archive/165865

= XL97: Comparison Value Changed from Fraction to Serial Number =

Article ID: 165865

Article Last Modified on 10/22/2000

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Excel 97 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q165865



SYMPTOMS
If you enter a comparison value for a condition in the Conditional Formatting dialog box, the value may be changed if you close and reopen the Conditional Formatting dialog box.



CAUSE
This problem occurs when you enter a fraction for a comparison value in the Conditional Formatting dialog box. When you do this, the value may be changed to a serial number that represents a date.

For example, in the Conditional Formatting dialog box, if you click Cell Value Is in the first list, Greater Than in the second list, and then enter 7/2 in the RefEdit box, 7/2 is changed to 35613 the next time you view the condition.



RESOLUTION
To enter a fraction for a comparison value, precede the fraction with an equal sign. Given the example in the "Cause" section, type the following:

=7/2

If you want to specify a comparison value like 1 1/3, enter the number as follows:

=1 + 1/3

If you enter the number as follows

=1 1/3

the value is changed to 1.33333333333333 the next time you view the condition.



STATUS
This behavior is by design of Microsoft Excel.



MORE INFORMATION
Conditional formatting is a new feature in Microsoft Excel 97. Based on the conditions (up to three) you use for the conditional format for the cell, Microsoft Excel dynamically applies a different font, style, pattern, or border to the cell.

