Change the way negative numbers are displayed

You can display negative numbers by using the minus sign, parentheses, or by applying a red color (with or without parentheses).

1. Select the cell or range of cells that you want to format with a negative number style.

2. If you're using Windows, press Ctrl+1. If you're using a Mac, press +1

3. In the Category box, click either Number or Currency.

4. Under Negative numbers, select an option for negative numbers.

Where's the parentheses option? If you're missing the parentheses option for negative numbers, it may be due to an operating system setting. This article explains how to fix this.

See Also

Create or delete a custom number format