Creating Custom Number Formats

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Creating Custom Number Formats

Monte Salyards 0

I'm using MS Office 365 Excel. I want to make a list of phone numbers. I want to be able to type in 1234567890 and have it show up in the cell as (123) 456-7890. I've tried every suggestion about creating custom number formats but have not had any luck so far. Does anyone know of a guide as to how I can do this?

Thank Your,

Monte Salyards

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Answer 1

Arlene D 36,055 Independent Advisor

Hello, what exact format do you want the phone number to display in?

To format a 10 digit number as a phone number, select the cells, press Ctrl+1, go to Number, then Custom, and enter this format: (000) 000-0000. This forces Excel to display the number in that pattern. Make sure you enter only digits with no spaces or symbols, and confirm the cell is not set to Text before applying the format, since Text format prevents custom number formatting from working.

Monte Salyards 0 Reputation points

2026-03-30T08:49:44.27+00:00

This would have been helpful, but I stumbled on my problem while I was checking this out. It turns out that if you enter your numbers, you have to put a period at the end of the string. I guess I was just supposed to know this. Not doing this creates some strange issues.
Phillip Richcreek 650 Reputation points

2026-05-12T18:06:55.45+00:00

Arlene, thanks for sharing this.
Please permit me to mention this:
On my Windows 10 system, I wasn't able to enter (000) 000-0000; I needed to scroll down and at the very end of the list was (000) 000-0000. I'm just suggesting to others not to give up, as I nearly did!
Phil (PR)

Answer 2

Dana D 10

Just to add if you don't want to type...

(under format cells)

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Answer 3

Senthil kumar 395

Use the below formula. its very easy.

Method1:

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Method2:

Select your phone number column and right click goto format cell. if you want which format set like below screenshot.
then type your phone number automatically changed to your desired format.

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Thanks

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Answer 4

Arlene D 36,055 Independent Advisor

Excel does not need a period at the end. That only forces text and causes odd results. Set the format first with Ctrl+1, choose Custom, enter (000) 000-0000, then type digits only like 1234567890. If it still acts wrong, clear the cells, reapply the format, then enter the numbers again so Excel formats them properly.

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Creating Custom Number Formats

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