Thanks - I think this would be the same effect of changing all my
totals/formulas to automatically subtract expenses entered as positive
numbers - that might be the answer - was trying to look for an automatic way
to convert to a negative number to prevent some re-work, but might be
unavoidable. Appreciate the help though.

"John C" wrote:

May I suggest a different approach.
Assumptions, columns B, D, and F have revenue, columns C, E, and G have
expenses.
Select all cells (that will have a revenue or expense entered).
Data--Validation, Decimal, Greater than or Equal to, 0
Select the expense cells, go to Menu: Format--Cells--Number--Custom
I used the following:
[Red](#,##0.00)
A format for negative numbers is not needed, as we don't allow entry of
negative numbers.

Assuming Row 2 is the first set of data of expenses and revenues, my total
formula entered in cell H2 is as follows:
=SUM(B2,D2,F2)+SUM(C2,E2,G2)*-1

Then Edit--Fill--Down as needed.
--
John C


"Courtney" wrote:

Thanks for the reply - that works if they enter a negative number, but can
you also make it to where if they enter it as a positive, instead of getting
an error message it automatically converts it to a negative number on what
they entered. Ex. If they entered an expense as $600 it would convert to
($600).

Thanks

"John C" wrote:

In the cells they will be entering this negative number:
Data--Validation
Allow: Decimal
Data: Less than or equal to
Maximum: 0

NOTE: You can change DATA to Less than as needed.

--
John C


"Courtney" wrote:

I'm building a model where end-users must input expenses and revenues. In
the expense section I'd like to ensure that numbers are entered as negatives,
or if they are entered as positives build a formula in the data validation
section that would automatically convert them to negative numbers. Any idea
on how to do this?

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks!