If you're trying to eliminate the need to key in all those dashes, you can
try a text formula in an adjoining column that will display the data as you
wish.

It's a *long and cumbersome* formula, but doing it once and copying the
formula containing column for future use may be a viable option for you, as
opposed to having to enter all those dashes.

Enter the original values in Column A, *preceded* with an apostrophe.
This makes the entry text, and allows XL to *accurately* display the 16th
digit.

Then in B1 enter this formula:

=LEFT(A1)&"-"&MID(A1,2,1)&"-"&MID(A1,3,1)&"-"&MID(A1,4,1)&"-"&MID(A1,5,1)&"-"&MID(A1,6,1)
&"-"&MID(A1,7,1)&"-"&MID(A1,8,1)&"-"&MID(A1,9,1)&"-"&MID(A1,10,1)&"-"&MID(A1,11,1)
&"-"&MID(A1,12,1)&"-"&MID(A1,13,1)&"-"&MID(A1,14,1)&"-"&MID(A1,15,1)&"-"&MID(A1,16,1)

Copy down as needed.
--
HTH,

RD

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Please keep all correspondence within the NewsGroup, so all may benefit !
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"CNB Cheryl" <CNB wrote in message
...
I need to have a 16 digit number with - between each number. I created a
custom format, however the 16th digit always reverts to 0 (zero). I need
this to accept all the numbers that are entered into the field. We are on
a
deadline so any help is appreciated. I have tried comma's and other
items,
but no go...

Thanks
CNBCheryl