You have a cell in Excel showing dates as numbers or numbers as text. The cell’s custom number format is causing the display problem. This happens when a cell inherits a format from a copied cell or a template. This article explains how to use the Ctrl+Shift+~ shortcut to reset any cell’s number format back to the default General format instantly.
Key Takeaways: Reset Number Format to General
- Ctrl+Shift+~ (Tilde): Instantly applies the General number format to the selected cell or range.
- Home > Number Format dropdown > General: The manual ribbon method to achieve the same result.
- General format: The default cell format that displays data as you type it, without any special formatting rules.
What the General Number Format Does
The General format is Excel’s default setting for all new cells. It does not apply any specific rules for how numbers, dates, or text are displayed. A cell with the General format shows a date as a date, a number as a number, and text as text. The format changes only if you manually apply a different one, like Currency, Date, or a custom code like “mm/dd/yyyy”.
Problems occur when a cell’s format does not match its data. For example, a cell formatted as Text will show a number but treat it as text, preventing calculations. A cell formatted as a Number will display a date’s underlying serial value. Resetting to General clears these applied formats and lets Excel interpret the raw cell value correctly.
Understanding the Tilde Key
The tilde (~) key is typically located in the top-left corner of a US keyboard, above the Tab key. The shortcut Ctrl+Shift+~ requires you to hold down the Control and Shift keys, then press the tilde key. This is a global shortcut that works in all modern versions of Excel for Windows and Mac.
Steps to Apply the Ctrl+Shift+~ Shortcut
- Select the target cell or range
Click on the cell with the incorrect format. To reset multiple cells, click and drag to select a range of cells. - Press the keyboard shortcut
Hold down the Ctrl and Shift keys on your keyboard. While holding them, press the tilde (~) key. Release all keys. - Verify the format change
The display of the selected cell will update immediately. Check the Number Format box in the Home tab’s Number group. It should now say “General”.
Alternative Method Using the Ribbon
If you prefer using the mouse or the shortcut does not work, use the ribbon.
- Select the cell or range
Click on the cell you want to reset. - Open the Number Format dropdown
Go to the Home tab on the ribbon. In the Number group, click the dropdown menu that likely shows the current format, like “Currency” or “Date”. - Choose General
From the list of format categories, click on “General” at the top of the list. The cell’s format will reset.
Common Mistakes and Limitations
Shortcut Does Not Change the Cell Value
The Ctrl+Shift+~ shortcut only changes the number format, not the underlying cell value. If a date is displayed as a number like 45123, applying General format will not convert it back to a date display. You must re-apply a Date format. The shortcut clears formatting rules but does not perform data conversion.
Clearing All Formatting vs. Clearing Number Format
Do not confuse this shortcut with clearing all formatting. The shortcut Alt, H, E, F clears fonts, colors, and borders in addition to the number format. Use Ctrl+Shift+~ when you only want to reset the number format to General while keeping other cell styling intact.
Format is Reapplied by Conditional Formatting
If the cell’s appearance is controlled by a Conditional Formatting rule, resetting the number format may have no visible effect. The conditional rule overrides the base format. You must edit or delete the rule from Home > Conditional Formatting > Manage Rules.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Common Number Formats
| Format Type | Keyboard Shortcut | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| General | Ctrl+Shift+~ | Reset to default, no special formatting |
| Number | Ctrl+Shift+! | Apply two decimal places, with comma separator |
| Time | Ctrl+Shift+@ | Format as hour:minute AM/PM |
| Date | Ctrl+Shift+# | Format as day-month-year |
| Currency | Ctrl+Shift+$ | Apply currency symbol and two decimals |
| Percentage | Ctrl+Shift+% | Multiply value by 100 and add % symbol |
| Scientific | Ctrl+Shift+^ | Display numbers in exponential notation |
You can now quickly reset any cell’s number format using the Ctrl+Shift+~ shortcut. This fixes display issues without altering cell values or other formatting. For related fixes, try the Clear Formats command on the Home tab. A useful advanced tip is to create a Quick Access Toolbar button for the General format for even faster one-click access.