Number formats (currency, percentage, date) in Excel - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the Currency number format do in Excel?

The Currency format shows numbers with a currency symbol (like $, €, £) and two decimal places by default. It helps show money values clearly.

beginner

How does the Percentage format change a number in Excel?

The Percentage format multiplies the number by 100 and adds a % sign. For example, 0.25 becomes 25%. It shows parts of a whole.

beginner

What happens when you apply a Date format to a number in Excel?

Excel treats dates as numbers counting days from a start date. The Date format shows that number as a calendar date like 4/27/2024 or April 27, 2024.

intermediate

How can you change the number of decimal places shown in a Currency format?

You can set decimal places in the Format Cells dialog under Currency options. More decimals show more detail, fewer decimals round the number.

intermediate

Why is it important to use number formats instead of typing symbols manually?

Number formats keep data consistent and allow calculations. Typing symbols manually makes numbers text, which can break formulas and sorting.

What symbol does Excel add automatically when you apply the Currency format?

A A date format like MM/DD/YYYY

B A percent sign (%)

C A currency symbol like $ or €

D No symbol is added

Currency format adds a currency symbol to show money values clearly.

If a cell contains 0.5 and you apply Percentage format, what will the cell show?

A 50%

B 0.5

C 5%

D 500%

Percentage format multiplies by 100 and adds %, so 0.5 becomes 50%.

Which format should you use to display a date like April 27, 2024?

A Currency

B Percentage

C General

D Date

Date format shows numbers as calendar dates.

What happens if you type a dollar sign manually before a number without formatting the cell?

A Excel treats it as a number with currency format

B Excel treats it as text, which may break calculations

C Excel automatically formats it as currency

D Excel removes the dollar sign

Typing symbols manually makes the cell text, which can cause problems in formulas.

How can you show more decimal places in a currency formatted cell?

A Use the Increase Decimal button or Format Cells options

B Type decimals manually

C Change the cell font size

D Change the cell background color

You can increase decimal places using the Increase Decimal button or Format Cells dialog.

Explain how the Percentage number format works in Excel and give an example.

Think about how parts of a whole are shown.

Describe why using built-in number formats is better than typing symbols manually in Excel.

Consider what happens when Excel treats data as text.