Using ZIP Codes in Excel

ZIP Codes loose their leading zero in Excel

Overview

When you load a ZIP Code into Excel, the ZIPs that begin with a zero lose that zero. To remove leading zeroes is ideal for numbers, but not ZIP Codes.

Excel Tip

Fortunately, Excel has a way to easily fix this situation: they have a special 'ZIP Code' format.

ZIP Codes Formatting in Excel

Just do the following to fix the situation:

  • Select the ZIP Code column
  • Choose Format, and then Format Cells
  • Select Special, ZIP Code and click OK.

Here's a quick video demonstrating this technique: