Formatting Issues

How to Display Negative Numbers in Parentheses in Excel by Default

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to configure Excel to automatically display negative numbers enclosed in parentheses instead of using a standard minus sign.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Applying a universal or default formatting style for negative numbers across Excel spreadsheets.
Observed behavior: Excel lacks a direct, universal toggle for displaying parentheses on negative numbers; default formats rely on regional settings.

Before you start

Determine whether you need this formatting for just a few specific cells, a single workbook, or as a permanent default for all future spreadsheets you create.

Solution 1Recommended

Apply a Custom Number Format

Use a custom format code to instantly display negative numbers in parentheses (and optionally in red color) for selected cells.

Since Excel does not offer a universal toggle button for this feature, using a custom number format is the most reliable way to change the appearance of negative numbers without altering your entire computer's regional settings.

Select the target cells

Highlight the cells, rows, or columns where you want to format the numerical data.

Open Format Cells

Right-click the selection and choose 'Format Cells' from the context menu, or press the Ctrl+1 keyboard shortcut.

Navigate to Custom formatting

In the Format Cells dialog box, go to the 'Number' tab and select 'Custom' from the Category list on the left.

Enter the custom format code

In the 'Type' input box, enter the custom format code: #,##0;(#,##0). If you want the negative numbers to also appear in red, enter #,##0;[Red](#,##0) instead.

Apply the format

Click the 'OK' button to apply the formatting. Your negative numbers will now display inside parentheses.

Solution 2

Save as a Default Startup Workbook

If you want this custom format available by default in all new files, save a blank workbook with the customized cell styles to your Excel startup folder.

Solution 3

Adjust System Regional Settings

Change your computer's system-wide regional settings, as Excel inherently relies on these OS-level settings for its default number formats.

Advanced Formatting in WPS

Easily Format Negative Numbers in WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet provides highly intuitive cell formatting options that are fully compatible with Microsoft Excel's custom format codes, allowing you to quickly display negative numbers in parentheses.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the worksheet containing your numerical data.
2. Select the data: Highlight the cells or columns containing the negative numbers you wish to format.
3. Open formatting options: Right-click the selected area and choose 'Format Cells', or press Ctrl+1 on your keyboard.
4. Input the format code: Under the 'Number' tab, click 'Custom' and input #,##0;(#,##0) into the Type box.
5. Apply the format: Click 'OK' to instantly apply the parenthesis formatting to your selected cells.

100% compatible with Microsoft Excel custom number formatsFree and lightweight alternative to Microsoft OfficeFamiliar user interface with no learning curve for Excel usersCross-platform support for Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Excel have a simple toggle for parentheses on negative numbers?

Excel's default number formatting is tied to your operating system's regional settings to ensure consistency across all your applications. Therefore, it lacks a dedicated in-app universal toggle button, requiring users to rely on custom formatting or system-level changes.

How can I make negative numbers red and enclosed in parentheses?

You can achieve this easily by applying a custom number format. Highlight your cells, go to Format Cells > Custom, and enter the code #,##0;[Red](#,##0). This instructs the software to format positive numbers normally and negative numbers in red text with parentheses.

Will applying a custom number format affect all sheets in my workbook?

No, custom number formats only apply to the specific cells you have selected when applying the rule. To apply it globally across a new workbook, you would need to modify the 'Normal' Cell Style and save it as a startup template.

Where is the XLSTART folder located for saving templates?

On Windows systems, the XLSTART folder is typically located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART. Saving a template file named 'Book.xltx' in this folder will make it the default template for all new workbooks.

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