You can't apply a format like that to text, it has to be numeric. You can
always use formula to create that data in that format if that is acceptable
though, or even have a bit of code run through and change it all.

--
Regards
Ken....................... Microsoft MVP - Excel
Sys Spec - Win XP Pro / XL 97/00/02/03

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It's easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission :-)
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"whitmore0112" wrote in message
...
I have a number/text that I want to apply a custom format to, but am not
sure
if it is possible. The number/text starts as 12K52E1, and I would like to
apply a number format to always change it to 12K-52-E1. Is it possible?