XL97: Excel Interprets Euro Values as Text

When you type a number followed by the euro currency symbol in a cell, Excel interprets the cell as text.

For example, when you type the following

=1,22

and then press ENTER, the contents of the cell appear left-aligned because Excel interprets the cell as text.

NOTE: To type the euro symbol, press CTRL+ALT+E or ALT+0128.

This problem occurs because Excel does not recognize the euro symbol as a valid currency symbol.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

The Euro

The euro is a new currency that the European Union (EU) introduced on January 1, 1999. Until January 1, 2002, participating countries will continue to use their local currency banknotes and coins, but with fixed exchange rates between the individual currencies. (Note that not all countries that are EU members are planning to participate.) On January 1, 2002, euro banknotes and coins will be introduced.