SKUs, barcodes, and even tracking numbers are often longer than what many spreadsheet programs like Excel or Google Sheets automatically support. This is due to the program's limit on the digits of precision or number precision and is typically 15 digits.
When this happens, you may see values which are rounded or even shown in scientific notation.
This can be resolved by simply importing these values in a different format altogether.
Import data into Excel using the Text Import Wizard
Unfortunately, the "Format Cells" function within Excel is not enough to convert these numbers properly.
Rather than opening the CSV file directly, use Excel's import options:
Open a new blank worksheet within Excel
Select "Import" from the File menu
In some versions of Excel you may need to go to the "Data" tab and then select "Get Data" > "From Text"
Select "CSV" file and click Import
Select the raw CSV file downloaded from SKULabs
Excel's Text Import Wizard will open.
Select Delimited and click next.
Select Comma and click next
Select the column "Tracking Number", then select "Text" or "General" at top.
Click Finish.
The spreadsheet will open and tracking numbers will show as full values and no longer in rounded or scientific notation.
Leading zero's
Numbers that begin with "0" are considered to have a "leading zero". Many spreadsheet programs incorrectly format these numbers by removing the first zero of the number.
One solution is to convert numbers back to text. If you use Excel, here are instructions on how to achieve this.
Another option is to use Google Sheets, which prompts you if you would like to auto format text to number allowing you to opt out. Open Google Sheets > File > Import > Upload > Select file from device, and follow the rest of the prompts until the Import file prompt appears. And, select "No" under the Convert text to numbers , dates, and formulas section.
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