Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Formatting Currency.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 11, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016
Those who are familiar with the rich formatting features of Excel may long for a way to format numbers in a Word table just as easily. For instance, you may have a column of numbers that you want to format as currency, complete with the dollar sign. Unfortunately, Word does not allow you to do this type of formatting directly.
There is a work-around, however. You can use a field to insert any number you want in any format you want. For instance, let's say you have the number 65.78, and you want it formatted as currency in a particular table cell. All you need to do is follow these steps:
You can continue to insert numbers in this way. If you have quite a few of them, you may want to create a macro to automate the process. Entering numbers in this way will not affect your ability to create column totals, as well.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (11331) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Formatting Currency.
Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2021 or Microsoft 365. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word Step by Step today!
Want a way to change the color of your text through a shortcut key? You can do so by using the macros described in this tip.
Discover MoreAdding notes to your document in Word is a handy tool. But what if you don't want those notes to be seen on the screen or ...
Discover MoreYou can format your text to use some very, very large font sizes. The results you see from formatting with large fonts ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2024-04-12 12:43:52
JHS
@ Monty - you are 100% right. Here's a tip: Download and install WordPerfect. Not pricey and infinitely more user-friendly than MSWord. I baffles me how popular it is versus the best word processing program. (To do what you want to do in WP - just select the numbers, right click and look for Numeric Format and select currency, etc. Super, super easy and logica0.)
2020-06-17 16:29:55
Monty
In looking at this tip a second time I may be missing the point here because I don't understand why one would go to all the convoluted nonsense to make an entry this way, which is fixed and cannot be changed without editing the field, rather than just entering the number with a $ in front.
I would like to be able to have a form with a table where I can enter a different number in the various cells, formatted as currency, each time I use the document, and have the column summed. I know how to do this as a form field with legacy controls, and do it all the time, but it does mean using form protection which has its own issues. Surely there must be a way to do the same simple task with the new Controls found in the ribbon versions of Word.
I know Word is an MS product and therefore does some strange things with newer versions that are often not improved, just new, as compared to a previous version of the product. The ribbon itself being the most glaring example in my opinion.
2020-06-17 15:54:03
Monty
I am not sure about the Shift F9 but pressing either just F9 or right clicking on the field and selecting "Update field" works for me on 2019 or 365 whatever I have.
2020-04-21 12:02:04
Kimberly
I am using 2019, and this solution is not working for me as well. I tried several times.
2020-03-01 11:26:25
FONTAINE
I am using the last version of Word most recent
and this solution is not working
I have tried several times
when I enter Shift+F9 everything is removed!
Can you help?
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here:
Comments