Calculation Issues

How to Preserve Excel Set Precision as Displayed After Save As

John Wilson Oct 8, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to keep the 'Set Precision as Displayed' setting active when copying an Excel worksheet into a new workbook.

How to Preserve Excel Set Precision as Displayed After Save As

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Copying an individual worksheet into a new workbook and noticing that the precision settings are lost.
Observed behavior: The 'Set Precision as Displayed' option does not transfer to the newly created workbook because it is a workbook-level setting rather than a worksheet-level setting.

Before you start

Remember that 'Set Precision as Displayed' permanently changes stored values to match the displayed formatting, which can result in a loss of original data accuracy. Always ensure you understand this behavior before enabling it in any new workbook.

Solution 1Recommended

Re-enable the Setting in the New Workbook

Since 'Set Precision as Displayed' is a workbook-level option, the most direct solution is to manually re-enable it after copying your worksheet to a new file.

When you copy a single worksheet into a brand new workbook, Excel applies its default workbook settings to the new file. Because precision formatting is tied to the workbook itself and not the individual sheet, the setting must be toggled on again.

Open the new workbook

Navigate to the newly created workbook where you copied your worksheet.

Access Excel Options

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the ribbon, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

Navigate to Advanced settings

In the Excel Options dialog box, click on the 'Advanced' tab in the left-hand pane.

Enable Set Precision as Displayed

Scroll down to the 'When calculating this workbook' section. Check the box next to 'Set precision as displayed' and click 'OK'.

Re-enable the Setting in the New Workbook

Data Loss Warning: Excel will prompt a warning that data will permanently lose accuracy. Click OK to confirm if you are sure.

Solution 2

Copy the Entire Workbook Instead of a Single Worksheet

If you want to ensure all workbook-level settings are preserved without manual reconfiguration, duplicate the entire file.

Easily Manage Workbook Precision with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet provides a seamless and intuitive way to manage workbook calculation settings. You can easily enable precision features while enjoying a fast, lightweight, and completely free alternative to Microsoft Excel.

1. Open your file in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open your existing spreadsheet.
2. Access Options: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top left corner and choose 'Options' from the drop-down list.
3. Go to Calculation Settings: In the Options window, select the 'Calculation' tab from the left sidebar.
4. Enable Precision Setting: Locate the 'Precision as displayed' checkbox under the workbook calculation settings and check it.
5. Apply and Save: Click 'OK' to apply the settings to your workbook and save your document.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) formatsIntuitive interface for managing complex calculation settingsLightweight application that opens large data files rapidlyFree alternative to Microsoft Office with a familiar layout

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'Set Precision as Displayed' disappear when I copy a worksheet?

This feature is a workbook-level setting, not a worksheet-level setting. When you copy a sheet to a brand new workbook, the new workbook applies its own default settings, which has this calculation option disabled by default.

Does 'Set Precision as Displayed' permanently change my data?

Yes. Once activated, Excel permanently alters the underlying stored values to match the displayed formatting (such as the number of visible decimal places). You cannot restore the original precision simply by turning the setting off later.

Will using 'Save As' keep the precision settings intact?

Yes. Using 'File > Save As' creates an exact copy of the entire workbook. This means all workbook-level options, including 'Set precision as displayed', are perfectly preserved in the newly saved file.

Excel & Data Problems