Office for Mac Issues

How to Enter a Comma Instead of a Decimal Point on a Mac Keypad in Excel

Emma Brown Oct 10, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user wants to configure their Mac numeric keypad to type a comma instead of a period when entering decimal numbers in Microsoft Excel.

How to Enter a Comma Instead of a Decimal Point on a Mac Keypad

Product: Microsoft Excel for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Entering numerical data with a numeric keypad (e.g., Logitech) in a spreadsheet where regional formatting requires a comma as the decimal separator.
Observed behavior: The numeric keypad inputs a decimal point (period) by default instead of the required comma.

Before you start

Decide whether you want this separator change to apply only to your spreadsheet application or globally to all applications across your Mac.

Solution 1Recommended

Adjust Decimal Separator in Excel Preferences

Change the decimal separator exclusively within Excel so that other applications on your Mac remain unaffected.

By modifying Excel's built-in preferences, you override the macOS system default. This is the best approach if you only need the comma separator for financial or data entry tasks inside your spreadsheets.

Open Excel Preferences

Launch Microsoft Excel on your Mac. Click on 'Excel' in the top-left Apple menu bar, then select 'Preferences' from the dropdown.

Navigate to Edit Options

In the Preferences window, locate and click on the 'Edit' icon.

Configure the Decimal Separator

Look for the decimal separator setting. Clear the default period (.) and type in a comma (,). Close the Preferences window to save your changes.

Adjust Decimal Separator in Excel Preferences

Application-Specific Solution: This method ensures your Mac's global number formatting remains intact while fixing the keypad input issue inside Excel.

Solution 2

Modify macOS System Language & Region Settings

Change the default decimal separator at the system level so that your keypad types a comma in every Mac application.

Seamless Spreadsheet Editing

Easily Manage Data and Formats with WPS Office for Mac

If you are dealing with regional formatting and numeric keypad issues, WPS Spreadsheet offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for Mac users. You can easily manage cell formats, decimal separators, and regional settings without dealing with confusing macOS updates.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office Free for Mac and install the application.
2. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx document or create a new one.
3. Adjust Formatting Preferences: Go to Options or use 'Format Cells' (Cmd+1) to ensure your number format matches your regional preference.
4. Enter Data Seamlessly: Use your Logitech or Mac numeric keypad to input data accurately with your desired decimal separator.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) filesNative support for Mac numeric keypads and shortcutsCustomizable cell formatting for international number layoutsFree and lightweight Microsoft Office alternative

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find the 'Advanced' button in Mac System Settings?

In newer versions of macOS, such as macOS Sonoma, Apple updated the user interface. The 'Advanced' button was removed, and the number format options (including the decimal separator) are now accessible directly on the main 'Language & Region' page.

Will changing the Mac decimal separator affect my other applications?

Yes. If you change the decimal separator in macOS System Settings (Language & Region), it acts as a global setting. It will change how numbers are formatted and entered in all applications on your Mac, not just your spreadsheet software.

Can I use a comma for decimals in Excel but keep a period for other Mac apps?

Yes. To do this, leave your macOS System Settings alone. Instead, open Excel, go to Excel > Preferences > Edit, and configure the decimal separator to a comma there. This ensures the change only applies while you are using Excel.

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