The TO_DOLLARS function in Google Sheets is a handy utility for converting numeric values into a dollar format. It is especially useful for financial reports or budgeting spreadsheets where a clear monetary representation is vital for readability and accuracy.

Syntax

TO_DOLLARS(value, [format])

• value: The numeric value you want to convert to dollars.
• format: (Optional) A boolean that determines if the result should display in a specific dollar format. Default is TRUE.

Example #1

TO_DOLLARS(1500)

This function call converts the number 1500 into a dollar value, resulting in “$1,500.00”.

Example #2

TO_DOLLARS(1500, FALSE)

By setting the format to FALSE, this function returns “1500” without any dollar symbol or formatting, which is useful for raw data needs.

Example #3

TO_DOLLARS(-1500)

This will convert the negative number -1500 into a dollar format, resulting in “-$1,500.00”, clearly showing a financial loss.

Error handling

• VALUE!: This error occurs when the value parameter is non-numeric or cannot be interpreted as a number.
• REF!: This error appears when the function is referencing a cell that no longer exists.
• NUM!: This indicates that the value is too large or small to be represented in the dollar format.

Conclusion

In summary, the TO_DOLLARS function is an essential tool for anyone working with financial data in Google Sheets. Its capability to format numbers as dollar values ensures clarity in presentations and reports. Understanding how to use this function effectively can enhance the professionalism of your spreadsheets.