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DOLLAR Function in Excel

Converts a number to text in currency format.

Syntax

  • =DOLLAR(number, [decimals])

Arguments

  • number (required): Number to convert
  • decimals (optional): Number of decimal places (default 2)

Examples

  • =DOLLAR(1234.567) - Format as currency - Result: $1,234.57
  • =DOLLAR(1234.567, 0) - No decimals - Result: $1,235

Excel DOLLAR function documentation

  • DOLLAR converts a number to text formatted as currency with a chosen decimal precision.
  • Syntax: =DOLLAR(number, [decimals]). Useful for display-ready financial narratives.
  • Use DOLLAR in labels and exported text fields, not in numeric calculation columns.
  • Text function category: [/categories/text/](/categories/text/).

DOLLAR syntax and rounding behavior

  • number is required and can be any numeric expression.
  • decimals is optional and defaults to 2 if omitted.
  • DOLLAR rounds displayed values and returns text, not numeric currency type.
  • For math, keep original numbers and apply cell formatting instead.

Step-by-step: create readable executive summary strings

  • Step 1 - Keep revenue numeric in B2 for calculations.
  • Step 2 - Build sentence: ="Revenue reached "&DOLLAR(B2,0).
  • Step 3 - Add variance text from another column for context.
  • Step 4 - Use this output in email exports and management summaries.

DOLLAR vs TEXT currency formatting

  • DOLLAR provides quick currency text with simple decimal control.
  • TEXT gives deeper custom format patterns for locale-specific output.
  • Cell number formatting preserves numeric type better for dashboards.
  • Date-specific formatting belongs to [DATE](/functions/date/) and date format codes.

Worked examples to copy

  • Default decimals: =DOLLAR(A2).
  • No decimals: =DOLLAR(A2,0).
  • Narrative output: ="Cost: "&DOLLAR(B2,2).
  • Rounded display: =DOLLAR(1234.567,1).

People also ask

  • Why can't I sum DOLLAR outputs? - DOLLAR returns text, not numbers.
  • DOLLAR vs accounting format? - Accounting format is cell formatting; DOLLAR is a formula output.
  • Can DOLLAR change currency symbol? - It follows locale behavior, unlike custom TEXT codes.
  • Is DOLLAR good for dashboards? - Good for labels, but keep numeric sources separately.

Common errors

  • Returns text, not a number
  • Uses system locale currency

Use cases

  • Currency display
  • Report formatting
  • Invoice generation

Frequently asked questions

  • Does DOLLAR always use the $ symbol? DOLLAR uses your system's locale currency symbol. In US settings it's $, in UK it's £, in EU it's €. For a specific currency regardless of locale, use TEXT: =TEXT(A1, "$#,##0.00") always shows $.
  • How do I convert DOLLAR result back to a number? DOLLAR returns text, so wrap in VALUE to get a number: =VALUE(SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(DOLLAR(A1), "$", ""), ",", "")). Or better, keep the original number and only use DOLLAR for display.
  • Can I use DOLLAR with negative decimals? Yes, negative decimals round to the left: =DOLLAR(1234.56, -2) returns "$1,200". This rounds to the nearest hundred. Useful for displaying approximate large currency values.

Editorial review

  • Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.

When to use DOLLAR

  • Currency display — common Text scenario for DOLLAR.
  • Report formatting — common Text scenario for DOLLAR.
  • Invoice generation — common Text scenario for DOLLAR.

DOLLAR in the Text category

  • Browse all Text functions at /categories/text/ for related formulas.
  • DOLLAR syntax: =DOLLAR(number, [decimals])
  • number (required): Number to convert
  • decimals (optional): Number of decimal places (default 2)
  • Confirm DOLLAR arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.

Formula checklist before you copy down

  • Confirm DOLLAR arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.
  • If results look wrong, check for text stored as numbers and invisible spaces with TRIM.
  • Spot-check three known input rows manually against expected output.

Related Excel functions

  • TEXT (/functions/text-function/): Converts a value to text in a specified number format.
  • FIXED (/functions/fixed/): Formats a number as text with a fixed number of decimals.
  • VALUE (/functions/value/): Converts a text string that represents a number to a number.

Errors to watch for

  • Returns text, not a number — review causes on linked error pages in the directory.
  • Uses system locale currency — review causes on linked error pages in the directory.

Copy-paste audit workflow

  • Enter DOLLAR on three test rows with known expected output documented on a QA tab.
  • Fill down only after absolute references are locked on lookup tables and rate tables.
  • Compare against manual calculation or a calculator for financial and statistical functions.
  • Search this directory for comparison guides when choosing between similar functions in the same category.

DOLLAR worked examples to copy

  • =DOLLAR(1234.567) — Format as currency. Expected result: $1,234.57.
  • =DOLLAR(1234.567, 0) — No decimals. Expected result: $1,235.

DOLLAR reference summary for crawlers and offline review

  • DOLLAR belongs to the Text category in Excel. Converts a number to text in currency format.
  • Full syntax: =DOLLAR(number, [decimals]). Open /functions/dollar/ for parameters, FAQs, and related pages.
  • Common mistakes: Returns text, not a number; Uses system locale currency
  • Pair this function with comparison guides when another Excel formula might fit the same task better.
  • Review fix-excel-formula-errors when unexpected errors appear after upgrading Excel or sharing across locales.