Formula Errors

How to Fix Excel Multiplication Formula #VALUE Error with Decimals

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user experiences a #VALUE! error when attempting to multiply a cell by a decimal number, and the spreadsheet application automatically alters the formula by removing the decimal point.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Performing multiplication calculations using decimal numbers like 0.975 on data containing decimals.
Observed behavior: Excel removes the decimal point from the formula (changing 0.975 to 0975) and returns a #VALUE! error when referencing a cell with a decimal value like 3.78.

Before you start

Check whether your computer's operating system or spreadsheet application uses a comma (,) or a period (.) as the standard decimal separator for your specific region.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Correct Regional Decimal Separator in Your Formula

Adapt your data entry to match your current regional settings by replacing periods with commas in both your values and formulas.

In many European regions, the operating system uses a comma as the default decimal separator. When you type a period, Excel treats the input as text rather than a number, triggering the #VALUE! error during mathematical operations.

Update the referenced cell

Select the cell containing your source data (e.g., C3) and change the period to a comma, updating 3.78 to 3,78.

Update the multiplication formula

Select the cell containing the error, click into the formula bar, and change =C3*0.975 to =C3*0,975.

Calculate the result

Press the Enter key on your keyboard to execute the updated formula and clear the #VALUE! error.

Verify Cell Formatting: Ensure the cell containing your starting value is formatted as a Number and does not contain hidden text characters or leading spaces, which can also cause #VALUE! errors.

Solution 2

Override the System Decimal Separator in Excel Settings

Modify the advanced settings in Excel so it permanently recognizes the period (.) as the decimal separator regardless of your computer's system settings.

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Calculate Decimals Seamlessly in WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Office offers a highly compatible spreadsheet tool that smoothly handles numerical data, formulas, and regional formats. Easily manage large datasets and bypass regional formatting errors for free.

1. Open your workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the document containing your data.
2. Verify decimal settings: Go to Menu > Options > Advanced to check or modify your preferred decimal separator settings.
3. Input the formula: Select the target cell, enter your formula (e.g., =C3*0.975 or =C3*0,975 based on your setting), and press Enter to instantly calculate the product.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) formats and standard formulas.Easily customize regional settings and decimal separators directly in the software interface.Built-in error checking to help quickly diagnose #VALUE! and other formula calculation issues.Lightweight, fast, and free to use for both personal and professional data processing needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel return #VALUE! when multiplying numbers?

This typically occurs if one of the referenced cells contains text, hidden spaces, or special characters instead of a numeric value. Incorrect decimal separators (like using a period in a region that requires a comma) will cause the application to interpret the number as a text string, breaking the multiplication.

How do I find cells formatted as text instead of numbers?

You can use the ISNUMBER function (e.g., =ISNUMBER(C3)). If the function returns FALSE, the cell is treated as text. You can quickly convert these by selecting the column, going to the Data tab, clicking 'Text to Columns', and clicking Finish without making changes.

Does changing the decimal separator in Excel affect other programs on my computer?

If you change the decimal separator within Excel's Advanced Options by unchecking 'Use system separators', it will only affect Excel. However, if you change it globally in your Windows Control Panel (Region settings), it will affect how numbers are displayed in all programs on your computer.

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