Using the Automatic Format in Table Cells
When you add a new cell, its content is displayed using the automatic format.
This content in a cell assigned the automatic
format
Is formatted like this for display
A number
Decimal places and commas are preserved
as entered.
For example, 1,000,000.008 displays as
1,000,000.008.
A currency value
Decimal places and commas are preserved
as entered.
For example $1,000.0075 displays as $1,000.0075.
A date value
The value is preserved as entered and treated
as text, not as a date, in formulas.
For example, 1/1 displays as 1/1.
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Chapter 9
Working with Table Cells
Chapter 9
Working with Table Cells
203
This content in a cell assigned the automatic
format
Is formatted like this for display
A Boolean value
The values “true” and “false” are converted to
“TRUE” and “FALSE.” These cells can be used in
Boolean operations in formulas.
A percentage value
A number followed by the % sign is displayed as
entered, and in formulas the value is treated as
a percentage value. A space before the % sign is
not required.
For example, you can type 5% or 5 %.
A scientific value
The display format rounds the value to 2
decimal places.
For example, 1.777E3 is displayed as 1.78+E3.
A duration value
The value is preserved as entered and treated
as text.
A fraction value
The value is preserved as entered and treated
as text.
If a different format has been applied to a cell, you can change its format to automatic
by selecting the cell and choosing Automatic from the Cell Formats pop-up menu in
the Format pane of the Table inspector.
To apply the automatic format:
1
Select the cell or cells.
2
Click Inspector in the toolbar, click the Table button, and then click Table.
3
Choose Automatic from the Cell Format pop-up menu.