---
title: Ahhh, I can't type a phone number in to Excel
description: Have you ever tried to enter a phone number or in fact any number that starts with a zero in to Excel?  This super quick tip will help.
image: https://woodthorpeitsolutions.co.uk/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/A%20phone%20bashing%20Microsoft%20excel%20humerous.jpeg
---

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# Ahhh, I can't type a phone number in to Excel

<https://woodthorpeitsolutions.co.uk/tips-and-news/author/woodthorpe-it>

[Woodthorpe IT](https://woodthorpeitsolutions.co.uk/tips-and-news/author/woodthorpe-it)  18 March, 2025

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When you try to enter a phone number in to Excel you will find that Excel removes the Zero from the start of the number. This is because a number cannot start with a zero unless it is decimal. To solve this issue type an apostrophe in front of the number. Eg '01234567 instead of 01234567 and this will mean the zero is kept after you press enter.

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