The Ctrl + Shift + $ keyboard shortcut in Excel applies the Currency number format to selected cells. It is useful when you want to display numbers as money without formatting each cell manually.
For example, if you have a list of product prices, you can use this shortcut to display the values with a currency symbol and two decimal places.
What Does Ctrl + Shift + $ Do in Excel?
The Ctrl + Shift + $ shortcut applies the Currency format to the selected cells. By default, this format displays numbers with two decimal places and a currency symbol.
The currency symbol may vary depending on your Excel version and regional settings. For example, Excel may display Indian rupees (₹) on a system configured for India or US dollars ($) in another regional configuration.
Here is an example:
| Before formatting | After formatting |
| 1500 | ₹1,500.00 or $1,500.00 |
| 2500.5 | ₹2,500.50 or $2,500.50 |
| 750 | ₹750.00 or $750.00 |
Note: The symbol shown in your worksheet may differ from these examples. The shortcut applies the Currency format, but the currency symbol depends on the applicable regional and formatting settings.
How to Apply Currency Format Using Ctrl + Shift + $?
Follow these steps to apply the Currency format in Excel.
1. Enter your numbers in a worksheet.
2. Select the cell or range of cells you want to format.
3. Press Ctrl + Shift + $ on your keyboard.
4. Excel applies the Currency format to the selected cells.
That’s it! Your numbers now appear as monetary values.
Example: Apply Currency Format to Product Prices
Imagine you have a list of products and their prices in Excel.
| Product | Price before formatting | Price after formatting |
| Keyboard | 1200 | ₹1,200.00 or $1,200.00 |
| Mouse | 750.5 | ₹750.50 or $750.50 |
| Monitor | 8500 | ₹8,500.00 or $8,500.00 |
| Headphones | 2499 | ₹2,499.00 or $2,499.00 |
To format the prices:
1. Select the cells containing the prices, such as B2:B5.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + $.
3. Excel displays the prices using the Currency format and the applicable currency symbol.
This shortcut is especially useful when working with invoices, budgets, sales reports, and expense sheets.
How to Press Ctrl + Shift + $ on Your Keyboard?
On a standard US keyboard, the dollar sign ($) is typed using Shift + 4.
To apply the shortcut:
1. Hold down Ctrl.
2. Hold down Shift.
3. Press 4 while holding both keys.
The shortcut is commonly written as Ctrl + Shift + 4.
Keyboard layouts may vary, so the exact key combination can depend on your keyboard configuration.
Why Does Excel Display ₹ Instead of $?
If Excel displays the rupee symbol (₹) after you use Ctrl + Shift + $, this may be due to your regional settings or the default currency format used by your Excel configuration.
For example:
- An Excel setup configured for India may display ₹ for Indian rupees.
- Another configuration may display $ for US dollars.
- Your existing number format or regional settings may affect the symbol you see.
The shortcut does not necessarily force the US dollar symbol. It applies the Currency format, and the displayed symbol can vary.
If you need a specific currency symbol, you can change it manually.
How to Change the Currency Symbol in Excel?
You can select the currency symbol you want to use, such as ₹ for Indian rupees or $ for US dollars.
1. Select the cells containing the formatted numbers.
2. Press Ctrl + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog box.
3. Select the Number tab if necessary.
4. Choose Currency from the Category list.
5. Open the Symbol dropdown and select the currency symbol you need.
6. Set the decimal places and click OK.
Excel will display the selected currency symbol for those cells.
How to Apply Currency Format Without a Keyboard Shortcut?
You can also apply Currency formatting using Excel’s Ribbon.
1. Select the cells you want to format.
2. Go to the Home tab.
3. In the Number group, open the number format options.
4. Select Currency.
If you want to choose a particular currency symbol or change the number of decimal places, press Ctrl + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog box. Select Currency, adjust the options, and click OK.
Related article: How to Format Numbers to Currency in Excel
Difference Between Currency and Accounting Formats:
Excel provides both Currency and Accounting formats. Although both are used for monetary values, they display them differently.
| Feature | Currency format | Accounting format |
| Currency symbol | Appears next to the number | Aligned within the column |
| Decimal places | Can be customized | Can be customized |
| Negative values | Several display styles are available | Commonly displayed in parentheses |
| Best used for | Prices and individual monetary values | Financial statements and reports |
Use Ctrl + Shift + $ to apply Currency formatting. To apply Accounting formatting, use the Accounting Number Format option in the Home tab.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Does Ctrl + Shift + $ always display the dollar symbol?
No. The shortcut applies the Currency format, but the displayed symbol may depend on your regional settings and Excel configuration. For example, you may see ₹ for Indian rupees instead of $ for US dollars.
2. Can I apply Currency format to multiple cells?
Yes. Select a range of cells, a complete column, or multiple selected cells, and then press Ctrl + Shift + $.
3. How do I display Indian rupees instead of dollars?
Press Ctrl + 1, choose Currency, and select the rupee symbol (₹) from the Symbol dropdown if it is available.
4. How do I display US dollars instead of rupees?
Press Ctrl + 1, choose Currency, and select the US dollar symbol ($) from the Symbol dropdown.
5. Does Currency formatting change the actual number?
No. It changes how the number appears in the cell. The underlying value remains the same, so Excel can continue using it in calculations.
6. Why does Excel show ##### after applying Currency format?
This usually means the column is too narrow to display the formatted value. Double-click the right boundary of the column heading to automatically adjust the column width.
7. How do I remove Currency formatting?
Select the formatted cells, go to Home > Number Format, and choose General. The cells will return to the General number format.
8. Can I change the number of decimal places?
Yes. Press Ctrl + 1, select Currency, and change the Decimal places setting.
Final Thoughts:
The Ctrl + Shift + $ shortcut is a quick way to apply Currency formatting in Excel. It saves time when formatting prices, expenses, and other monetary values.
Remember that the displayed currency symbol may vary. If Excel shows ₹ instead of $, or the other way around, you can change the symbol through the Format Cells dialog box.
Explore more useful shortcuts in our Excel Keyboard Shortcuts guide.
Related Articles:
Mastering Number Formatting in Excel: Tips and Techniques
How to Format Numbers to Currency in Excel
Ctrl + Shift + @ in Excel: Apply Time Format
Ctrl + Shift + # in Excel: Apply Date Format
Increase and Decrease Decimals in Excel
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