To apply currency formatting in Excel for the web (Excel Online), select the cells, then on the Home tab open the Number Format drop-down (it usually says General) and choose Currency or Accounting. You can also click the $ (Accounting Number Format) button next to it. To use a different symbol like € or £, or change decimal places, choose More Number Formats.
Here’s the difference between Currency and Accounting, and how to customize the format in the browser version of Excel.
How to apply currency formatting
- Open your workbook at office.com or in OneDrive.
- Select the cells with money values.
- On the Home tab, click the Number Format box.
- Choose Currency.
If the ribbon is collapsed to a single line, the number format box may be under the three-dot More options menu on the Home tab.
Currency vs. Accounting
| Currency | Accounting | |
|---|---|---|
| Symbol position | Right next to the number ($1,800.00) | Lined up at the left edge of the cell |
| Zero | $0.00 | $ – |
| Negative numbers | -$1,800.00 or red (your choice) | ($1,800.00) |
| Best for | Prices, invoices, general lists | Financial statements and ledgers |
How to change the currency symbol or decimals
- Select the cells and choose Number Format > More Number Formats.
- Pick Currency or Accounting.
- Set Decimal places, choose a Symbol such as €, £, or ¥, and choose a negative number style.
- Click OK.
Quick adjustments: use Increase Decimal and Decrease Decimal on the Home tab, or the arrow next to the $ button to pick another common symbol.
Troubleshooting
- Numbers don’t change: They may be stored as text (left-aligned, often with a green triangle). Select them, click the warning icon, and choose Convert to Number, or retype them.
- Wrong default symbol: Excel uses your regional settings. Change the workbook region in File > Options > Regional Format Settings, where available, or pick the symbol manually.
- Shows ####: The column is too narrow. Double-click the column border to widen it.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a keyboard shortcut?
Yes. Ctrl + Shift + $ applies Currency format in Excel for the web and desktop.
How do I remove the dollar sign but keep decimals?
Use Number format with 2 decimals, or Accounting with Symbol set to None. See how to format money without a dollar sign.
Does formatting change the value?
No. Formatting only changes how numbers look. Formulas still use the underlying value.
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