If you're using Excel and negative numbers don't display with parentheses, you can change the way negative numbers are displayed. But if that solution doesn't work, or if the parentheses option ($1,234.10) isn't available, an operating system setting might not be set properly. If you're using a Mac, make sure you use the App Store and update to the latest version of macOS. If you're using Windows, use one of the following solutions to change the negative number format. Keep in mind that changing the setting affects all programs on your computer, not just Excel.
Change negative number formats in Windows
Close Excel.
From the Start menu, search for Control Panel, and open Control Panel.
Under Region, select Change date, time, or number formats.
Note
If you don't see Clock and Region, select Category in the View by menu at the top of the page.
On the Formats tab, select Additional settings at the bottom.
On the Numbers tab, for Negative number format, choose (1.1).
On the Currency tab, for Negative currency format, choose ($1.1).
Select OK, and then select OK again.
Reopen Excel.