It's all about formatting Pete. Numeric formats change the display of data in a cell without changing the value of the data. Although formats can be applied while keying in your data, data entry may be simplified by entering raw figures that can then be formatted to include a dollar sign, comma, decimal places, percent sign, etc.

To apply a numeric format follow the steps below:

[list:bsqjyduc]Select the cell(s) to be formatted.
Click on [b:bsqjyduc]Format | Cells [/b:bsqjyduc]or right-click on the selection and click on Format | Cells.
Click on the [b:bsqjyduc]Number [/b:bsqjyduc]tab of the [b:bsqjyduc]Format Cells [/b:bsqjyduc]dialog box that appears.
Select a format category from the [b:bsqjyduc]Category [/b:bsqjyduc]list box.
Select a format from the Type list box, if applicable.
Select any other options that are applicable
Click OK.[/list:u:bsqjyduc]

In the attached screenshot, I formatted the Expense cells as Currency and then just entered raw data which then had a dollar sign and decimal added automatically.

For the Gas Mileage cell I formatted it as text. Text formatted cells are treated at text even if a number is entered into those cells. The cells is displayed exactly as it is entered.

Please also note the formula I created for the Total of the Expenses.

I hope this has answered your question. If not, let me know!