Spreadsheet-safe CSV text and numeric trading losses
Learn why formula-like notes are prefixed in normalized CSV exports while negative USD gross amounts remain numeric, and what the checker includes in its totals.
Why formula-like notes are prefixed
The normalized CSV writes date, pair, gross, costs, and notes. Text fields are quoted, and text that starts with a spreadsheet formula marker (including after leading whitespace or control characters) gets an apostrophe prefix. This reduces a formula-like text risk; it is not a guarantee about every spreadsheet application or import setting. Amount fields are formatted as dot-decimal numbers, so a negative gross remains numeric.
The note =SUM(1,1) is exported with an apostrophe as quoted text; the numeric −$25 gross less $1 costs remains −$26 net.
Open full-size diagram ↗An invented note and loss
An invented closed USD row has gross -2500 cents and costs 100 cents, so net is -2600 cents. Its note is =SUM(1,1). The normalized CSV prefixes that note with an apostrophe and quotes it as text, while the gross amount stays numeric as -25.00. This reduces a formula-like text risk; it is not a guarantee about every spreadsheet application or import setting.
What the totals include
Totals are accepted-only totals: they cover accepted rows only. Rejected rows are left out, and duplicate source IDs in a declared mapping cause all occurrences to be rejected; the checker does not pick a winner. The workflow is for USD-only, already closed and aggregated records. It performs no currency conversion and no fill matching. It checks structure and arithmetic; it is not a certified statement or proof of completeness.
Fixed checker and declared mappings
The fixed checker accepts only the exact date,pair,gross,costs,notes header and field order, real YYYY-MM-DD dates, uppercase AAA/BBB pairs, and valid USD amounts. A separately declared custom mapping can specify source columns and formats, but it must explicitly match its headers and conventions. That distinction does not promise that a particular custom mapping is available.
Choose a next step
Compare your file with the [CSV Journal Checker](/tools/csv-journal-checker). If the fixed layout does not fit, review the [CSV format request](/csv-format-request.txt) and use the [CSV format-fit contact link](/contact?source=csv-format-fit) to describe the columns and conventions. No request or service availability is implied.
Sources and conventions
Examples are hypothetical. Arithmetic follows the formulas documented in our methodology. Broker contract specifications determine actual lot, margin and execution conditions. These sources document definitions and data; a source link does not imply endorsement of SanForex or a trading service.
These materials are prepared with AI assistance and checked against worked examples and deterministic calculation tests where applicable. They are not an expert suitability assessment or investment advice.
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