When working with data in Google Sheets, formatting numbers is an essential task to make them readable and understandable. Google Sheets provides various built-in number formats, such as currency, percentage, and date formats, which can be easily applied to cells. However, sometimes you may need to create custom number formats to meet specific requirements. For instance, you might want to format numbers with a specific decimal place, add thousands separators, or display numbers in a specific way. In this blog post, we will explore how to delete custom number formats in Google Sheets.
Why Delete Custom Number Formats?
Deleting custom number formats is an important task when you no longer need them or when they are causing issues with your data. Here are some reasons why you might want to delete custom number formats:
- Free up space: Custom number formats can take up space in your Google Sheet, especially if you have many formats applied to different cells. Deleting them can free up space and improve the overall performance of your sheet.
- Prevent errors: Custom number formats can sometimes cause errors when you try to perform calculations or formulas on the data. Deleting them can prevent these errors and ensure that your data is accurate.
- Improve readability: Custom number formats can make your data look cluttered or confusing. Deleting them can improve the readability of your data and make it easier to understand.
How to Delete Custom Number Formats in Google Sheets?
Deleting custom number formats in Google Sheets is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Select the Cell or Range
To delete a custom number format, you need to select the cell or range of cells that has the format applied. You can do this by clicking on the cell or range of cells in the Google Sheet.
Step 2: Go to the Format Tab
Once you have selected the cell or range of cells, go to the “Format” tab in the top menu bar. Click on the “Format” tab and then select “Number” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Clear the Custom Number Format
In the “Number” format dialog box, click on the “Custom” tab. You will see the custom number format that is applied to the selected cells. To delete the custom number format, click on the “Clear” button next to the “Custom” format field.
Step 4: Apply the Default Number Format
Once you have cleared the custom number format, the cells will automatically apply the default number format. You can also apply a different built-in number format if you prefer. (See Also: How to Resize Cells in Google Sheets? A Quick Guide)
Alternative Methods to Delete Custom Number Formats
There are alternative methods to delete custom number formats in Google Sheets. Here are a few:
Method 1: Use the Keyboard Shortcut
You can use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + F” (Windows) or “Command + Shift + F” (Mac) to open the “Format” dialog box. From there, you can select the “Number” tab and clear the custom number format.
Method 2: Use the “Format” Dialog Box
You can also use the “Format” dialog box to delete custom number formats. To do this, select the cell or range of cells, go to the “Format” tab, and select “Format cells” from the drop-down menu. In the “Format cells” dialog box, select the “Number” tab and clear the custom number format.
Common Issues When Deleting Custom Number Formats
When deleting custom number formats, you may encounter some common issues. Here are a few:
Issue 1: Data is Not Updated
Sometimes, when you delete a custom number format, the data may not update automatically. To fix this, you can try refreshing the data by clicking on the “Refresh” button in the “Data” menu or by pressing “F5” on your keyboard.
Issue 2: Formula Errors
Deleting custom number formats can sometimes cause errors in formulas. To fix this, you can try re-entering the formula or re-calculating the data. (See Also: How to Make Bar Graph Google Sheets? Easily Visualize Data)
Issue 3: Data is Not Formatted Correctly
Sometimes, when you delete a custom number format, the data may not be formatted correctly. To fix this, you can try re-applying the custom number format or using a different built-in number format.
Conclusion
Deleting custom number formats in Google Sheets is an important task to free up space, prevent errors, and improve readability. In this blog post, we have explored the steps to delete custom number formats, alternative methods, and common issues that you may encounter. By following these steps and tips, you can easily delete custom number formats and improve the overall performance of your Google Sheet.
Recap
To recap, here are the steps to delete custom number formats in Google Sheets:
- Select the cell or range of cells that has the custom number format applied.
- Go to the “Format” tab and select “Number” from the drop-down menu.
- Clear the custom number format by clicking on the “Clear” button next to the “Custom” format field.
- Apply the default number format or a different built-in number format.
FAQs
Q: How do I delete a custom number format in Google Sheets?
A: To delete a custom number format in Google Sheets, select the cell or range of cells that has the format applied, go to the “Format” tab, select “Number” from the drop-down menu, and clear the custom number format by clicking on the “Clear” button next to the “Custom” format field.
Q: What happens when I delete a custom number format?
A: When you delete a custom number format, the cells will automatically apply the default number format. You can also apply a different built-in number format if you prefer.
Q: Can I delete multiple custom number formats at once?
A: Yes, you can delete multiple custom number formats at once by selecting the cells or range of cells that have the formats applied and following the steps above.
Q: What if I encounter errors when deleting a custom number format?
A: If you encounter errors when deleting a custom number format, try refreshing the data by clicking on the “Refresh” button in the “Data” menu or by pressing “F5” on your keyboard. If the issue persists, try re-entering the formula or re-calculating the data.
Q: Can I undo a deleted custom number format?
A: No, you cannot undo a deleted custom number format. Once you delete a custom number format, it is permanently removed from the cells.