MS Excel: DOLLAR function convert number to currency format

Fakhriddinbek
May 2
2 min read

The DOLLAR function in Excel is used to convert a number into a currency-formatted text string. It doesn't perform calculations, but instead formats numeric values with a currency symbol (based on your system settings), correct decimal places, and thousands separators—making numbers readable and presentation-ready.

Excel spreadsheet open with function dialog for "DOLLAR" converting numbers to text in currency format. Toolbar and blank cells visible.

It’s especially helpful in reports, invoices, or dashboards where you want numbers to appear in a currency format as text—not just visually formatted using cell styles.

Syntax

=DOLLAR(number, [decimals])

Parameters:

Argument	Description
number	The numeric value you want to convert to currency text
[decimals]	(Optional) Number of digits to the right of the decimal point. Defaults to 2 if omitted.

Examples with Tables

Example 1: Format a Number as Currency

=DOLLAR(1234.567)

Input	Formula	Result
1234.567	=DOLLAR(1234.567)	$1,234.57

Example 2: Format with No Decimal Places

=DOLLAR(1234.567, 0)

Input	Formula	Result
1234.567	=DOLLAR(1234.567, 0)	$1,235

Example 3: Negative Decimal Places (Rounds Left of Decimal)

=DOLLAR(1234.567, -2)

Input	Formula	Result
1234.567	=DOLLAR(1234.567, -2)	$1,200

Example 4: Using with a Cell Reference

Assuming:

A1 = 9876.543

=DOLLAR(A1, 1)

A1 Value	Formula	Output
9876.543	=DOLLAR(A1, 1)	$9,876.5

How DOLLAR Differs from Cell Formatting

Feature	DOLLAR Function	Cell Formatting (Ctrl+1 → Currency)
Output Type	Text	Number (still usable in calculations)
Used in Formulas	✅ Yes	❌ No (just visual)
Keeps Value for Math	❌ No (becomes text)	✅ Yes

Summary

Feature	Detail
Function Name	DOLLAR
Purpose	Converts numbers to text formatted as currency
Returns	Text string
Affects Math	❌ No – Returns text, not usable in calculations
Default Format	Based on system locale (e.g., $ in the US)

Notes and Limitations

Because it returns text, the result of DOLLAR cannot be used directly in numeric calculations.
The currency symbol is pulled from your system’s regional settings.
If you're working internationally, consider using TEXT(number, "[$$-en-US]#,##0.00") for more control.

Related Functions

Function	Description
TEXT	Formats numbers as text using custom patterns
FIXED	Rounds and converts to text without currency
VALUE	Converts text back to a number
NUMBERVALUE	Converts text to number using locale rules

Final Thoughts

The DOLLAR function is a quick and effective way to display numbers as currency-formatted text, especially in reports and dashboards where readability is more important than further numeric computation. Use it when you want consistent formatting, regardless of cell style or localization.