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How to Convert English Numerals to Arabic Numerals in Excel for Mac
Question details
The user needs to change standard English numerals to Eastern Arabic numerals in Excel for Mac but finds that changing the number format does not take effect.
- Product
- Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Applying custom Arabic number formatting to a range of cells containing numerals.
- Observed behavior
- The custom number formatting does not apply because the cells contain text strings instead of actual numeric values.
Ensure that the cells you are trying to format do not contain hidden spaces or special characters, as these prevent Excel from recognizing the contents as valid numbers.
Convert Text to Numbers and Apply Custom Arabic Formatting
Use this method to change text-based digits into standard numeric values so that the custom Arabic number format can take effect.
Excel formatting only works on numerical data. If your numerals are stored as text, formatting codes are ignored. You must convert the text to numbers first using Paste Special before applying the locale format.
Type =ISNUMBER(A1) in an empty cell (replace A1 with your target cell). If it returns FALSE, your data is stored as text.
Type the number 1 in an empty cell and copy it. Select the cells containing your English numerals, right-click, and choose 'Paste Special'. Under Operation, select 'Multiply' and click 'OK'.
Keep the newly converted numeric cells selected and press 'Cmd + 1' to open the Format Cells dialog.
Go to the 'Custom' category and enter [$-ar-AR,200]General in the Type field, then click 'OK' to display the Eastern Arabic numerals.
Use the VALUE Function to Convert Text
Extracts and converts text strings that represent numbers into actual values using a formula.
Easily Manage Number Formats with WPS Office
WPS Office offers a seamless and user-friendly spreadsheet tool that fully supports advanced custom number formats, making it simple to convert numeral systems on your Mac.
- 1. Open your spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your document.
- 2. Select and format: Highlight the target cells and press 'Cmd + 1' to open the Format Cells window.
- 3. Apply custom format: Select 'Custom', input [$-ar-AR,200]General, and click 'OK'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my custom number format not applying in Excel?
This usually happens when the cells are formatted as text instead of numbers. Excel's custom number formats only apply to actual numeric values. You must convert the text strings to actual numbers first.
Can I type Arabic numerals directly without formatting?
Yes, if you change your Mac's keyboard input source to Arabic, you can type Arabic numerals directly into cells. However, using custom formats is generally better for maintaining the underlying data as standard digits for calculations.
What does the custom format [$-ar-AR,200]General do?
This custom format code tells the spreadsheet application to display the standard digits using the Arabic (ar-AR) locale conventions, effectively converting standard English numerals into Eastern Arabic numerals visually while keeping the underlying value unchanged.
