diff --git a/lib/compare_lists.py b/lib/compare_lists.py
index 46425b2..5be6524 100644
--- a/lib/compare_lists.py
+++ b/lib/compare_lists.py
@@ -244,10 +244,12 @@ if __name__ == '__main__':
     args = parser.parse_args()
 
     if args.excel:
-        excel_comparison = Compare(args.number)
+        num = args.number.lstrip()
+        excel_comparison = Compare(num)
         excel_comparison.create_excel_export()
     elif args.tree:
-        treeview_comparison = Compare(args.number)
+        num = args.number.lstrip()
+        treeview_comparison = Compare(num)
         treeview_comparison.create_treeview()
     else:
         parser.print_help()
\ No newline at end of file