Calculation of Fraction values and auto date format issue

[rajtak]

Hi,

I want to substract OD with ID to get Wall Thickness, the problem is, fractions are stored in text format and if clear the format then excel autoformat some fractions to date i.e 3/4 to 4-Mar. Another problem is if i do not convert the text format then substraction formula wont work. I also need the Wall Thickness in Fraction NOT Decimal.

1 1/4 - 3/4 = 1/5 (wall thickness)

Please help

Thank you in advance.

 

[AlphaFrog]

If you format columns A:C as Fraction before you enter in the values, then Excel wouldn't interpret them as dates.

Then you could use regular math in column C (=A2-B2), and the results will display in fraction as well.

• Select columns A:C
• Right-click on any highlighted cell and select Format Cells
  • On the Number tab:
    • Category; Fraction
    • Type; Up to Two Digits
    • OK

Type in cell A2: 1 1/4
Type in cell B2: 3/4
C2 formula: =A2-B2

1 1/4 - 3/4 = 1/2 (wall thickness)