If you're using Excel and negative numbers aren't displaying with parentheses, you can change the way negative numbers are displayed. But if that doesn't work, or if the parentheses option ($1,234.10) isn't available, it's likely because an operating system setting isn't 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 will affect all programs on your computer, not just Excel.
Change negative number formats in Windows
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Close Excel.
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From the Start menu, search for Control Panel, and open Control Panel.
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Under Clock, Language, and Region, click Change date, time, or number formats.
Note: If you don't see Clock, Language, and Region, click Category in the View by menu at the top of the page.
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On the Formats tab, click Additional settings at the bottom.
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On the Numbers tab, for Negative number format, choose (1.1)
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On the Currency tab, for Negative currency format, choose ($1.1)
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Click OK, and then click OK again.
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Reopen Excel.
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Close Excel.
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Click Start > Control Panel.
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Under Clock, Language, and Region, click Change keyboards or other input methods.
Note: If you don't see Clock, Language, and Region, click Category in the View by menu at the top.
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On the Formats tab, click Additional settings at the bottom.
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On the Numbers tab, for Negative number format, choose (1.1)
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On the Currency tab, for Negative currency format, choose ($1.1)
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Click OK, and then click OK again.
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Reopen Excel.
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Close Excel.
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Click Start > Control Panel.
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Under Clock, Language, and Region, click Change keyboards or other input methods.
Note: In Classic View, double-click Regional and Language Options, and then click the Formats tab.
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On the Formats tab, click Additional settings at the bottom.
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On the Numbers tab, for Negative number format, choose (1.1)
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On the Currency tab, for Negative currency format, choose ($1.1)
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Click OK, and then click OK again.
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Reopen Excel.
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Close Excel.
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Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
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Click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options, and then click Regional and Language Options.
Note: In Classic View, double-click Regional and Language Options, and then click the Formats tab.
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On the Formats tab, click Additional settings at the bottom.
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On the Numbers tab, for Negative number format, choose (1.1)
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On the Currency tab, for Negative currency format, choose ($1.1)
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Click OK, and then click OK again.
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Reopen Excel.
