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Google Sheets tutorials›Spreadsheet basics›Show leading zeros

Google Sheets · Verified tutorial

Show leading zeros in Google Sheets

Format A2:A3 with the custom format 00000 so each code displays five digits.

Verified by JosephineJuly 25, 2026About 60 seconds

Quick answer

Format A2:A3 with the custom format 00000 so each code displays five digits.

Step-by-step

1

Open the practice sheetUse the example data shown below so the result is easy to check.

2

Show leading zerosFormat A2:A3 with the custom format 00000 so each code displays five digits.

3

Check the resultCompare the finished sheet with the expected result and correct the target range if needed.

Shortcut or faster method

Use the menu path shown in the video and keep the target range selected until the change is applied.

Expected result

A2:A3 uses the five-digit leading-zero pattern.

Common mistake

Starting with the wrong cell or range selected.

Troubleshooting

Re-select A2:A3 and repeat the final action. A2:A3 uses the five-digit leading-zero pattern.

Example spreadsheet data

This is the clean fixture used for the verified run.

Code

12

345

Video transcript

Open the prepared Practice spreadsheet.
Open the practice sheet. Use the example data shown below so the result is easy to check.
Show leading zeros. Format A2:A3 with the custom format 00000 so each code displays five digits.
Check the result. Compare the finished sheet with the expected result and correct the target range if needed.
A2:A3 uses the five-digit leading-zero pattern.