adding $ before a number vs selecting currency/accounting format

[lezawang]

Hi
Is there any difference/problem if I add $ before a number manually, I mean I type $ then the number after vs selecting Number formatting-->currency or Accounting? Thank you.

 

[kweaver]

Both currency and accounting add 2 decimal places whereas when you type a leading $, no decimal places are added. Commas are inserted thousands, however.
If you do this, then examine the Format Cells, you'll see it's "currency" formatting without decimal places.

 

[Michael M]

Generally, no.....but why would you do that, instead of simply formatting the number correctly !