Excel – How to convert negative/positive numbers

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The following steps show how to bulk convert negative or positive numbers.

  • Negative numbers (-1) become positive numbers (1)
  • Positive numbers (1) become negative numbers (-1)

There are two ways you can do this.

Method 1: Using a formula

This method leaves the original numbers are they are and creates another set of numbers.

  1. In a empty cell in the same row – use a formula like below – note how it takes the original value and multiples it by negative 1 (-1)
  2. =SUM(A2*-1)
  3. Copy the formula down the column to repeat for the other numbers
  4. The formula returns the inverse number

Method 2: Using special paste

This method will convert the numbers using the “multiply” special paste.

  1. In an empty cell type -1
  3. With the cell selected, copy it
  4. Select the numbers you want to convert
  5. Right-click on the selection
  6. Click on ‘Paste Special’
  8. Under ‘Paste’ choose ‘Values’
  9. and under ‘Operation‘ choose ‘Multiply’
  11. Click ‘OK’