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How to Fix "######" Errors in Excel Cells

Applies toExcel
3 min fix Updated 14 Jan 2026 · 8 months ago

By , 10+ years in IT support and helpdesk How these guides are checked

Quick Answer

Move your mouse to the vertical line between the column letters at the top, and double-click the line to automatically expand the column to fit the text.

Checked against Microsoft 365 Roadmap, Microsoft Learn - Windows release health and between 5 Aug 2026 and 12 Sep 2026. Nothing published in that period has been linked to this guide.

Summary ​

Seeing a row of hashtags (######) means Excel cannot fit the content inside the cell. It is not a calculation error.

Before You Start ​

  • None. These steps apply to all versions of Excel.

Instructions ​

1. Widen the Column (Auto-fit) ​

The quickest way to solve this.

  1. Move your mouse cursor to the line between the column headers (e.g., between A and B).
  2. Your cursor will turn into a double-headed arrow.
  3. Double-click the line.
  4. The column will expand to fit the text perfectly.

If the hashes remain after the column expands to full width, the value inside the cell is the problem rather than the width. Go to Step 2 when the cell holds a date or a time, and Step 3 when it holds a number with a long run of decimal places.

2. Check for Negative Dates ​

Excel cannot display negative dates (dates before 1900) and shows hashes instead.

  1. Click the cell.
  2. Check the value. If you subtracted Today - Tomorrow, the result is negative.
  3. Adjust your formula to ensure positive results for dates.

3. Change Number Format ​

Sometimes the format forces too many decimals.

  1. Right-click the cell > Format Cells.
  2. Select General or Number.
  3. Reduce decimal places to save space.

Troubleshooting ​

INFO

If widening the column doesn't work, ensure the text color isn't white-on-white.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
##### on DateColumn too narrowDouble-click column border to Expand.
##### on TimeNegative TimeUse 24h format or correct formula.

Last updated:

Frequently asked questions

Does a row of hashtags mean my formula is broken?
No. The '######' error is just a visual warning that the column is too narrow to display the number properly. Your formula is still calculating correctly in the background.
Why am I getting hashtags when dealing with dates?
Excel cannot display negative dates (such as a calculation resulting in a date prior to the year 1900). Check your formula to ensure the date math is correct.