Format values in text cell

Question

I have a chart with two percentage columns (min, max), and a third which is supposed to show the min-max range in absolute values. I use the formula =A2*60&" - "&B2*60 in cell C2. The expected result is (for an absolute max of 60):

Min      | Max     | Range
33.3%    | 50.0%   | 20 - 30

Here's what I get:

Min      | Max     | Range
33.3%    | 50.0%   | 2000.0% - 3000.0%

The percentage columns are formatted to display a percentage value with one decimal, and this format is somewhat applied to the text.

If I change the formula to =A2*$C$1&" - "&B2*$C$1, I get:

Min      | Max     | 60
33.3%    | 50.0%   | 20.000 - 30.000

For every format on C1 I get 3 decimals in the expression, except if I set the format to only one decimal in C1, I really get one decimal in the expression.

Question: How do I choose how the numbers are displayed in C2?

Answer 1

Using extra cells (which can be hidden) appears to be the only way I have found to control the Automatic formatting that Numbers applies.

In separate cells for each desired number, do the calculation. A2*60 then in another cell, B2*60

In your Range column, concatenate the results. So if the cells containing 20 and 30 are in E2 and F2 then Range would have this formula:

E2 & " - " & F2

or:

concatenate(E2," - ",F2)

Then if desired, hide E and F columns.