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DOLLAR Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The DOLLAR function transforms numeric values into currency-formatted text strings, automatically rounding to the specified decimal places. It applies regional currency symbols based on your Excel language settings, making it perfect for financial reports and invoices.

Syntax

DOLLAR(number, [decimals])

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
number	`Number`	Yes	The value to convert to currency text format
decimals	`Integer`	No	Number of decimal places (optional, defaults to 2)

Using the DOLLAR Function

DOLLAR is ideal for creating professional-looking financial documents where you need currency display without changing cell formatting. Use it in concatenations, headers, or when exporting data to other applications.

Common DOLLAR Examples

Basic Currency Formatting

=DOLLAR(1234.567)

Returns "$1,234.57" using 2 decimal places (default)

Custom Decimal Places

=DOLLAR(1234.567, 0)

Returns "$1,235" rounded to whole dollars

Negative Value

=DOLLAR(-1234.56, 1)

Returns "($1,234.6)" with parentheses for negative

In Concatenation

= "Total: " & DOLLAR(SUM(A1:A10))

Creates "Total: $1,234.57" label

Frequently Asked Questions

It automatically detects your Excel regional settings and applies the appropriate currency symbol ($ for USD, € for EUR, £ for GBP, etc.).

Yes, negative values display in parentheses with the currency symbol, following standard accounting conventions.

Cell formatting keeps numbers as numbers for calculations; DOLLAR converts to text, which displays currency but can't be summed.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! error

Cause: Non-numeric value provided for number argument

Solution: Ensure the number argument contains only numeric data or valid cell references

Unexpected currency symbol

Cause: Excel regional settings differ from expectations

Solution: Check Windows/Excel language settings or use TEXT function with custom format

Notes

Always defaults to 2 decimal places if decimals omitted
Negative decimals round to left of decimal point (e.g., -1 rounds to tens place)
Result is TEXT, not Number - cannot use in SUM/AVERAGE
Consider TEXT($#,##0.00) as alternative for more formatting control

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in:

Content last reviewed: December 11, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+