How to Change Currency in Google Sheets?

Have you ever found yourself staring at a spreadsheet full of numbers, wishing they were in a currency that made more sense for your project or business?

Google Sheets, with its versatile and user-friendly interface, offers a simple solution to this very problem.

Changing currency in Google Sheets is not only possible; it’s also incredibly straightforward.

This guide will walk you through the steps to adjust currency settings in your spreadsheets, ensuring your financial data aligns perfectly with your needs.

How to Change Currency in Google Sheets?

Understanding Currency Formatting in Google Sheets

Currency formatting in Google Sheets not only changes the symbol representing money (like $, £, €) but also adjusts the decimal places and a thousand separators according to the conventions of the chosen currency.

This ensures that your financial data looks professional and adheres to the standard practices of the currency’s country.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Currency

Step 1: Open Your Google Sheet

First, access Google Sheets by going to sheets.google.com and open the spreadsheet you want to work on. If you haven’t already created a spreadsheet, you can start a new one by clicking on the blank template.

Step 2: Select Your Cells

Click and drag your mouse over the cells you wish to format. If you want to change the currency for an entire column or row, click on the letter at the top for columns or the number on the side for rows.

Step 3: Open the Format Menu

With your cells selected, look for the “Format” option in the top menu bar. Click on it to open a dropdown menu. From there, navigate to “Number” > “More Formats” > “Custom currency”.

Step 4: Choose Your Currency

A dialog box will pop up, showing a list of different currencies. Scroll through this list or use the search bar at the top to find the currency you need. Once you’ve found it, click on it to select it.

Step 5: Apply Your Changes

After selecting your desired currency, click “Apply” to update your selected cells. You should now see the currency symbol appear before the numbers in your selected cells, with decimal places and a thousand separators adjusted accordingly.

Tips for Using Currency in Google Sheets

• Use Google Sheets Functions: Take advantage of functions like GOOGLEFINANCE to fetch real-time exchange rates. For example, =GOOGLEFINANCE("CURRENCY:USDEUR") would give you the current exchange rate from USD to EUR.
• Format Large Datasets: If you’re working with large datasets, use the “Format Painter” tool (the paint roller icon) to quickly apply currency formatting to multiple sections of your sheet.
• Customize Decimal Places: You can further customize how your currency is displayed by adjusting the number of decimal places. Go back into “Custom currency” and manually adjust it as needed.
• Use Conditional Formatting: Enhance your financial sheets by using conditional formatting rules. For example, you can set rules to highlight profits in green and losses in red automatically.

Conclusion

Changing currency in Google Sheets is a simple yet powerful way to manage financial data accurately. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your financial spreadsheets are professional, accurate, and tailored to the specific needs of your project or business.

With additional features such as real-time exchange rates and customizable formatting options, Google Sheets proves to be an indispensable tool for anyone working with multiple currencies.

Remember, keeping your financial data organized and correctly formatted not only helps with clarity but also makes it easier for others to understand your financial situation or analysis.

Whether you’re preparing a budget report, tracking expenses, or analyzing financial markets, mastering how to change currency in Google Sheets is a skill that will undoubtedly enhance your financial management capabilities.

FAQ: Changing Currency in Google Sheets

1. Can I set a default currency for all my Google Sheets?

No, Google Sheets doesn’t allow you to set a default currency for all your spreadsheets.

You need to manually change the currency for each sheet or selection of cells as needed. However, you can create a template with your preferred currency settings and use it for future documents.

2. How do I revert back to no currency format after applying one?

To remove a currency format, select the cells you wish to change. Then, go to “Format” > “Number” and choose “Number” or “Plain text” from the list. This will remove the currency formatting but keep the numerical value intact.

3. Can Google Sheets automatically update currency conversion rates?

Yes, with the GOOGLEFINANCE function, you can fetch live currency conversion rates. Though this won’t automatically update the formatted currency symbol in your cells, it allows you to convert amounts in real-time based on current exchange rates.

4. Is it possible to use custom symbols for currency?

Yes, Google Sheets allows you to use custom symbols for currency through the “Custom currency” format option. If your desired symbol isn’t listed, you can manually type it in and apply it to your selected cells.

5. How do I apply currency formatting to new data automatically?

While Google Sheets doesn’t automatically apply currency formatting to new data based on previous formats, you can use the “Format Painter” tool to quickly copy formatting from existing cells to new ones.

Alternatively, setting up conditional formatting rules or using Google Apps Script can automate this process for more complex requirements.