Keep a close eye on the increase/decrease decimals buttons on the Excel ribbon because Microsoft has changed them for one version of Excel.
Increase / decrease decimals is a very common Excel feature to change the visible accuracy of a number. For example, choosing Currency or Accounting style (which defaults to two decimal places / cents) then hitting the ‘Decrease Decimals’ button to show whole Dollars/Pounds/Euro only.
But it’s a source of frustration because the icons aren’t very clear. Many of us accidentally click the wrong one and have to ‘reverse course’.
Now, it’s even more confusing because Excel in a browser has the buttons in the opposite order to Excel for Windows or Mac. Though the icons have been made a little clearer.
Swapped buttons
Excel in a browser has swapped the order of the increase/decrease decimal buttons. Decrease decimals is on the left, unlike other Excel releases. Here’s how it now looks on the Home tab.
This has happened without explanation or warning. Some people have noticed and are applauding the decision. They think the current positions (increase on the left, decrease on the right) is wrong.
On the other hand, it’ll confuse many Excel users, especially those who switch between different Excels for Windows, Mac and online.
Maybe Microsoft will apply this change to Excel for Windows, Mac and mobile apps? Will they bother notifying their paying customers?
Better button icons
The icons have improved with ‘decrease decimal’ showing a single “0” vs ‘increase decimal’ with two, unlike the other Excel ribbons with somewhat confusing and similar buttons.
Having an inconsistent button order between Excel’s just adds to customer annoyance. But changing the icons to something clearer is a good move that should be applied to all Excel releases.
Excel for Windows
Here’s the current order of increase/decrease buttons in each of the major Excel releases. Excel for Windows …
The icons for other Excels are harder to understand with three “0” in each.
Excel for Mac
Excel for iOS
On an iPhone, Increase Decimal comes first.
The big difference between what Excel shows and what Excel knows
