'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix Excel for Mac Using a Comma Instead of a Period
Question details
The user needs to change the decimal or list separator in Excel for Mac from a comma to a period, but the changes do not seem to take effect.
- Product
- Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Modifying the decimal and list separator preferences in Excel settings.
- Observed behavior
- Excel continues using a comma as the decimal or list separator even after system separators are disabled and a period is explicitly selected in Excel settings.
Ensure you have saved all your open workbooks before making changes to system or application regional settings, as a full restart of the application is required to apply the changes.
Restart Excel to Apply Separator Changes
The most common reason for this issue is that the application hasn't fully registered the new settings. Restarting Excel usually resolves the conflict.
Excel for Mac requires a complete application restart to apply modifications made to the 'Use system separators' setting.
Open Excel for Mac, navigate to 'Excel' in the top menu bar, and click 'Preferences'. Select 'Edit', uncheck 'Use system separators', and manually set the Decimal separator to a period (.).
Completely quit Excel by pressing Cmd + Q on your keyboard or clicking 'Excel' in the top menu bar and selecting 'Quit Excel'.
Launch Excel again and open a blank workbook to verify that the period is now correctly used as the decimal separator.
Align macOS System Regional Settings
If restarting Excel doesn't work, macOS system-level regional preferences might be overriding your application settings.
Update or Reinstall Excel for Mac
Outdated or corrupted software can cause settings bugs. Try updating your software or reinstalling as a last resort.
Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Formatting
Tired of dealing with stubborn settings in Excel for Mac? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative with intuitive regional settings that apply instantly.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for Mac from the official website and follow the easy installation prompts.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and seamlessly open your existing Excel workbooks.
- 3. Set Formatting Easily: Enjoy intuitive cell formatting and regional settings that work right out of the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel default to a comma instead of a period for decimals?
Excel typically inherits its number formatting from your operating system's regional settings. Many European and South American countries use a comma as a decimal separator by default.
Can I change the separator for a specific workbook only?
No, separator settings in Excel for Mac apply globally to the entire application. However, you can change the custom cell formatting rules for specific cells if you need a particular visual display.
Where do I find the separator settings in Excel for Mac?
You can find these settings by clicking 'Excel' in the top Apple menu bar, selecting 'Preferences', clicking on 'Edit', and looking for the 'Use system separators' checkbox.
