Removing the dollar sign in Google Sheets is a straightforward task. You’ll need to adjust the cell formatting options to change the format from currency to plain numbers. This can be done in just a few clicks, and by the end, your numbers will appear without the dollar sign or any other currency symbol.
How to Remove Dollar Sign in Google Sheets
Let’s dive into the steps required to remove the dollar sign in Google Sheets. Following these steps will help you switch your cell formatting from currency to plain numbers.
Step 1: Select the Cell or Range of Cells
First, click on the cell or drag your mouse to highlight the range of cells that you want to change.
Selecting the correct cells is crucial because any formatting changes will only apply to the cells you’ve highlighted. Make sure you’ve got all the cells you need.
Step 2: Open the Format Menu
Next, go to the top of the screen and click on ‘Format’ in the menu bar.
The Format menu holds various options related to how your data appears. Clicking on Format will reveal a dropdown menu that gives you several choices.
Step 3: Choose Number from the Format Menu
From the dropdown menu, hover over ‘Number’ to reveal more options.
The Number submenu includes different data formats like currency, percentage, and plain numbers. Hovering over it will give you access to these specific choices.
Step 4: Select Plain Number
Click on ‘Number’ under the Number menu options.
Choosing ‘Number’ will convert your selected cells from currency to plain numbers, effectively removing the dollar sign.
Step 5: Verify Your Changes
Finally, check your selected cells to ensure the dollar sign has been removed.
If the dollar signs are gone and the numbers remain, you’ve successfully changed the formatting. Double-check to confirm that all the cells you selected are correctly updated.
After following these steps, your cells should display plain numbers without any dollar signs. This change will make your data less cluttered and easier to read, especially if you don’t need the currency symbol.
Tips for Removing Dollar Sign in Google Sheets
- Double-Check Your Selection: Always make sure that the correct cells are selected before making any changes.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Pressing ‘Ctrl’ + ‘1’ on your keyboard can quickly open the formatting options.
- Try Custom Formatting: For more specific needs, you can use custom number formats to fine-tune how your data looks.
- Undo Mistakes: If you make a mistake, use ‘Ctrl’ + ‘Z’ to undo your actions.
- Consistency: Ensure that all cells containing similar data have the same format for consistency and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the dollar sign for multiple sheets at once?
No, you have to repeat the process for each sheet individually.
Will this affect formulas linked to these cells?
No, changing the format does not affect the underlying formulas.
Can I change back to currency format later?
Yes, simply follow the same steps but select ‘Currency’ instead of ‘Number.’
Are there other ways to remove the dollar sign?
Yes, but this is the simplest and most straightforward method.
Why is the dollar sign appearing by default?
It appears because the cells were originally set to display currency. Changing the format will remove it.
How to Remove Dollar Sign in Google Sheets: Summary
- Select the cell or range of cells.
- Open the Format menu.
- Choose Number from the Format menu.
- Select Plain Number.
- Verify your changes.
Conclusion
Removing the dollar sign in Google Sheets is a quick and simple process that can make your data easier to read and more versatile. By changing the cell format from currency to plain numbers, you effectively strip out the dollar signs, leaving clean, unmarked numbers behind. These easy-to-follow steps ensure that anyone, even those with minimal spreadsheet experience, can perform this task with confidence.
If you often need to switch between different formats, getting familiar with these steps will save you a lot of time. And if you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other formatting features in Google Sheets. Whether you’re managing a budget, analyzing data, or just keeping track of numbers, mastering these simple formatting tricks will make your life a whole lot easier.
Matt has been working with WordPress and creating content using this powerful content management system for years. While he has written about many other tech topics, WordPress is one of his favorites.
You can read his full bio here.