Excel: why you see #### in a cell
Seeing a row of hash signs (####) in a cell looks alarming, but your data is almost certainly fine. Excel is simply telling you it cannot fit the contents into the space.
Most common cause: the column is too narrow
The fix takes two seconds.
- Move your pointer to the line between two column letters at the top, for example between B and C.
- When the pointer becomes a double-headed arrow, double-click.
The column widens to fit. You can also click the cell, then choose Home, Format, AutoFit Column Width. If you want to widen several columns, select them first.
Another cause: a negative date or time
Excel cannot show a date or a time that is below zero, and it fills the cell with hash signs instead. Check the calculation that produced it. A common cause is subtracting a later time from an earlier one, such as an end time that is before the start time.
Other things to try
- Shrink the text: select the cells, press Ctrl+1, open the Alignment tab and tick Shrink to fit. Use this carefully, as tiny numbers are hard to read.
- Use a smaller font or fewer decimal places. The Decrease Decimal button is on the Home tab.
- Wrap long text: if a cell holds words rather than numbers, click Wrap Text on the Home tab.
- Change the number format: if the value is huge, a different format may help. Right-click, choose Format Cells and pick Number.
Does it print as hashes?
Yes, if it appears on screen it will print that way, so fix it before printing or emailing.
Is anything lost?
No. Click the cell and look at the formula bar above the sheet. The real number or date is shown there.
Tip
Select the whole sheet by clicking the small triangle at the top left corner, then double-click any column border. Every column tidies itself in one go.
This works the same on a Mac.
When to get more help
If you still see hashes after widening the column, or negative dates keep appearing in an important workbook, ask us to look at it.