Hi Adrienne,
I hadn't even noticed Niek's reply, but it would be better to select an
empty cell to copy and then use Special Cells Add so that you
do not create zeros where you had empty cells. Especially if you
are using a Debit column and a Credit column.

But much easier is to have installed the TrimAll macro and it will
remove the spaces and/or Char(160) characters. Test first if dates are
involved, but I have it installed so I can access from a menu and it really
helps when working with data downloaded from the internet.

Of course if you are downloading your data from the Bank, you might
consider using Quicken Deluxe (Deluxe gives you internet access),
or since this is a Microsoft group -- MS Money, and updating will be
a lot easier, no need to do a lot of futzing around in Excel. . For one
bank account it might not make much difference, but if you ever invest
in stocks you will need a package like Quicken to keep records, and
history of everything.
...
---
HTH,
David McRitchie, Microsoft MVP - Excel [site changed Nov. 2001]
My Excel Pages: http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/excel.htm
Search Page: http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/search.htm

"Adrienne" wrote in message ...
Sorry - I read this again more thoroughly after I realized I didn't have to
use the ISNUMBER -the paste special, multiple works! And I can copy the
formatting from the other cells using the paint function and they remain as
currency. Thanks!

adrienne

"Niek Otten" wrote:

Isn't your cell actually text, although it may look like a number?
Try =ISNUMBER(A1)
If it is text,:
Format an empty cell as General. Enter the number 1. EditCopy. Select your
data. EditPaste Special, check Multiply.

--
Kind regards,

Niek Otten

"Adrienne" wrote in message
...
I downloaded the checkbook register from Microsoft.com and am trying to add
a
few cells at the end to quickly calculate my outstanding debits and
credits
so that I can balance my statements automatically. I figured out how to
write
the formula properly (eventually), but the cells will not take on the
currency format no matter what I do. I have tried pasting the format from
the
other cells within the register, tried clearing the format and reapplying
the
currency format, tried accounting, etc.