Operation Manual

Using the keyboard
Most data entry in Calc can be accomplished using the keyboard.
Numbers
Click in the cell and type in a number using the number keys on either the main keyboard or
numeric keypad. By default, numbers are right aligned in a cell.
Minus numbers
To enter a negative number, either type a minus (–) sign in front of the number or enclose the
number in parentheses (), for example (1234). The result for both methods of entry will be the
same, for example -1234.
Leading zeroes
To retain a minimum number of characters in a cell when entering numbers and retain the number
format, for example 1234 and 0012, leading zeroes have to be added as follows:
1) With the cell selected, right click on the cell select Format Cells from the context menu or
go to Format > Cells on the main menu bar or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+1 to open
the Format Cells dialog (Figure 107).
2) Make sure the Numbers page is selected then select Number in the Category list.
3) In Options > Leading Zeros, enter the minimum number of characters required. For
example, for four characters, enter 4. Any number less than four characters will have
leading zeroes added, for example 12 becomes 0012.
4) Click OK. The number entered retains its number format and any formula used in the
spreadsheet will treat the entry as a number in formula functions.
Figure 107: Format Cells dialog – Numbers page
If a number is entered with leading zeroes, for example 01481, by default Calc will automatically
drop the leading 0. To preserve leading zeroes in a number:
1) Type an apostrophe (') before the number, for example '01481.
2) Move the cell focus to another cell. The apostrophe is automatically removed, the leading
zeroes are retained and the number is converted to text left aligned.
Chapter 5 Getting Started with Calc | 131