How to Change the Decimal Separator to a Period in Excel for the Web
Question details
The user wants to replace the default comma decimal separator with a period in Excel for the web.
- Product
- Excel for the web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Entering or formatting numerical data that requires a period for decimal points instead of the region's default comma.
- Observed behavior
- Excel for the web automatically uses a comma as the decimal separator based on the current regional settings.
Keep in mind that changing your regional settings to update the decimal separator will also alter how dates, times, and currencies are formatted across your spreadsheets.
Adjust Regional Formatting in Excel for the Web
Modify the built-in regional format settings directly within the Excel for the web interface to apply English (US or UK) standards.
Excel for the web relies on regional settings to determine which character acts as a decimal separator. By switching your region to one that defaults to a period (like the United States or United Kingdom), you can instantly resolve the issue.
Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the ribbon, then select 'Options' from the left-hand menu.
Click on 'Regional Formatting Settings' in the options dialog box that appears.
Choose a region that uses a period as a decimal separator, such as 'English (United States)' or 'English (United Kingdom)' from the dropdown list.
Confirm your selection. The spreadsheet will refresh, and your decimal separators will now display as periods.
Modify Microsoft Account Regional Profile
Update the primary region on your Microsoft account if the Excel-specific regional settings are unavailable or grayed out.
Easily Customize Decimal Separators in WPS Spreadsheet
If you want to change decimal separators without altering your entire system's or account's regional date and time settings, WPS Office Spreadsheet provides a dedicated option to customize separators independently.
- 1. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open your workbook in the Spreadsheet application.
- 2. Access the Options Menu: Click on 'Menu' in the top-left corner and select 'Options' at the bottom of the drop-down list.
- 3. Navigate to Advanced Settings: In the Options dialog box, select the 'Advanced' tab from the left sidebar.
- 4. Disable System Separators: Scroll to the 'Editing options' section and uncheck the box that says 'Use system separators'.
- 5. Set Period as Decimal Separator: Type a period (.) in the 'Decimal separator' field, type a comma (,) in the 'Thousands separator' field, and click 'OK' to save.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel for the web default to a comma for decimals?
Excel for the web defaults to a comma because it reads the regional settings of your Microsoft account, SharePoint server, or browser. Many European and South American countries use a comma as the standard decimal separator.
Can I change the decimal separator without changing my date and currency formats?
In Excel for the web, changing the regional formatting to adjust the decimal separator will also change your date and currency formats to match that region. To avoid this, you would need to use a desktop client like WPS Office or Excel Desktop, which allows independent separator customization.
Why is the Regional Formatting option missing in my Excel for the web?
If you are using an enterprise or school account, your organization's SharePoint or OneDrive administrative settings may enforce a specific regional format, disabling the option for individual users to change it locally.
Does changing the Microsoft account region affect other Office online apps?
Yes, updating your Microsoft account's country or region will apply those language and formatting standards across all Office for the web applications, including Word and PowerPoint.
