Gabriele,

For the numbers already in the column, in a helper column:

=left(A2, 5) or
=right(A2, 5)

Or for the case where you want only the first two characters:

=left(A2, 2).

Copy down with the Fill Handle. Now to permanently remove the original
stuff, copy the helper column, then directly over the original stuff, Edit -
Paste special - Values. Now you don't need the helper column any more.

Your post hinted at preventing entering more than five characters. For
that, use Data - Validation, and select Text Length and "equal to." . Set
it to 5. Or something similar
--
Earl Kiosterud
mvpearl omitthisword at verizon period net
-------------------------------------------

"Gabriele" wrote in message
...
I am trying to format a column so I can enter 5 digits only. It has between
5
and 7 digit numbers in it right now and I need to delete the remaining
ones.
It is about 350 numbers, so it would be a lot of work to go into each cell
and delete the remaning numbers. Is therea way I can format the whole
column
to allow 5 digits? The same happened with letters. I had codes in it that
consisted of numbers and letters and the client only wants the first two
letters to remain. How can it be formatted so only 2 characters are
allowed
to keep me from having to enter each cell separately?