How to get number value with leading zeros in LibreOffic Calc?

How to get number value with leading zeros in LibreOffic Calc?

FORMAT function does not want to work:

I need value, not just formatting.

Solution 1:

The TEXT function can add leading zeroes without formatting the cell. It returns a string.

Even though it is a string, it can still be treated as a number in other formulas. For example =D2+1 gives 2016124.

Solution 2:

This answer is about formatting

I'd like to add to tohuwawohu's answer that you can also just increase the "Leading zeroes" field within the "Format Cells" dialog. This might be easier for those who prefer to use the graphical interface and mouse only.

1. select cell, col/row or sheet;
2. right-click, select "Format Cells..." (or Menu Format -> Cells);
3. click on the up arrow in the "Leading zeroes" box as many times as needed: two for 01, three for 001 and so on.

P.S. I'm adding this as a separate answer because I don't have enough reputation to comment.

P.S. I gave this answer because I understood the sentence: "I need value, not just formatting." to mean something else from what you subsequently explained in a comment to tohuwawohu's answer. He consequently deleted his answer but I'm leaving mine because it has been upvoted and could be of some use even though it did not address your question in its true meaning.