Forum Discussion

Copper Contributor

Jun 30, 2023

Solved

Brackets around negative numbers (formatting)

I am trying to get to grips with the basics of excel at the moment and just trying to sort out some optimal settings. In finance I think its standard for negative numbers to be in brackets i...

excel

SergeiBaklan
Jun 30, 2023
Harry_S_S

You may change Windows regional settings as here Negative numbers aren't showing with parentheses in Excel - Microsoft Support

Alternatively apply first negative numbers with Red format. Select cells again, Ctrl+1->Number->Custom

and here change text after semicolon on

You may remove [Red] if prefer default color.

Detlef_Lewin

Silver Contributor

Jun 30, 2023

Harry_S_S

Try Currency or Accounting.

Harry_S_S
Copper Contributor
Jun 30, 2023
Detlef_Lewin I have just tried both and both show a minus sign but no brackets
- chipasm1
  Copper Contributor
  Jan 19, 2025
  i have the same problem there i another solution ?
  - HenryR
    Copper Contributor
    Apr 23, 2025
    This works for me, giving brackets for negative values. Format cell with Custom Type as below:
    £#,##0_);(£#,##0)
    I use the £ symbol as I'm representing a currency for my purposes. Change or delete that as needed. I don't want it in Red so I don't have that extra declaration.. The formula looks like it's missing a bracket as we are used brackets coming in pairs.. But it is fine, it works.