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Convert Text to Numbers in Excel

By Jeevan A YJeevan A Y | Reviewed By Dheeraj VaidyaDheeraj Vaidya, CFA, FRM

How to Convert Text to Numbers in Excel? (Step by Step)

There are so many ways we can convert text to numbers in excel. We will see one by one.

  1. Using quick Convert Text to Numbers Excel Option
  2. Using Paste Special Cell Formatting Method.
  3. Using the Text to Column Method.
  4. Using the VALUE Function.
You can download this Convert Text to Numbers Excel Template here – Convert Text to Numbers Excel Template

#1 Using quick Convert Text to Numbers Excel Option

This is probably the simplest of ways in excel. Lot people use the apostrophe ( ‘ ) before they enter the numbers in excel.

  • Step 1: Select the data.

Quick Convert Text to numbers Step 1

  • Step 2: Click on the error handle box and select the Convert to Numbers option.

Quick Convert Text to numbers Step 2

  • Step 3: This would convert the text-formatted numbers to number format instantly, and now the SUM function-working fine and showing the accurate result.

Quick Convert Text to numbers Step 3

#2 Using Paste Special Cell Formatting Method

Now I am moving to another of changing the text to numbers. Here I am using Paste Special method. Consider the same data that I have used in the previous example.

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  • Step 1: Type the number either zero or 1 in any one cell.

Using Cell Formatting Method step 1

  • Step 2: Now copy that number. (I have entered the number 1 in the cell C2).

Using Cell Formatting Method step 2

  • Step 3: Now, select the numbers list.

Using Cell Formatting Method step 3

  • Step 4: Now press ALT + E + S (Excel shortcut key to paste special method), and this will open up the below dialogue box. Select the multiply option. (You can try divide also)

Using Cell Formatting Method step 4

  • Step 5: This would instantly convert the text to numbers instantly, and the SUM formula working fine now.

Using Cell Formatting Method step 5

#3 Using the Text to Column Method

This is the third method of converting text to numbers. This is a bit lengthier process than the earlier two, but it is always a good thing to have as many alternatives as possible.

  • Step 1: Select the data.

Using Text to Column Step 1

  • Step 2: Click on the Data tab and Text to Columns option.

Using Text to Column Step 2

  • Step 3: This will open up the below dialogue box and make sure delimited is selected. Click on the Next button.

Using Text to Column Step 3

  • Step 4: Now make sure the Tab box is checked and click on the Next button.

Using Text to Column Step 4

  • Step 5: In the next window, select the General option and select the destination cell and click on the Finish button.

Using Text to Column Step 5

  • Step 6: This would convert your text to numbers, and SUM will work fine now.

Using Text to Column Step 6

#4 Using the VALUE Function

In addition, a formula can convert text to numbers in Excel. VALUE function will do the job for us. Follow the below steps to learn how to do it.

  • Step 1: Apply the VALUE formula in cell B1.

Using VALUE Function step 1

  • Step 2: Drag and drop the formula to the remaining cells.

Using VALUE Function step 2

  • Step 3: Apply the SUM formula in the cell B6 to check whether it has converted or not.

Using VALUE Function step 3

Things to Remember

  1. If you find the green triangle button in the cell, then there must be something wrong with the data.
  2. VALUE function can be useful in converting the text string that represents a number to a number.
  3. If there are spacing problems, we nest the VALUE function with trim function, For example, =Trim(Value(A1))
  4. Text to Column is also useful in correcting dates, numbers, and time formats.

Recommended Articles

This has been a guide to Convert Text to Numbers in Excel. Here we discuss how to Convert Text to Numbers in Excel using 1) Error handler, 2) text to the column, 2) paste special, and 4) Value Function along with excel example and downloadable excel templates. You may also look at these useful functions in excel –

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