How do I convert text to number in Excel?
Converting text to numbers in Excel is a common task that many users encounter. Whether you have imported data from a different source or manually entered text values, converting them to numbers can help you perform calculations and analyze data more effectively. In this article, we will guide you through the process of converting text to numbers in Excel, ensuring that your data is ready for analysis and manipulation.
Using the VALUE Function
One of the simplest ways to convert text to numbers in Excel is by using the VALUE function. This function takes a text string as input and returns the numeric value of that string. To use the VALUE function, follow these steps:
1. Select the cell where you want the converted number to appear.
2. Enter the following formula: `=VALUE(text)`
3. Replace `text` with the cell reference or the text string you want to convert.
4. Press Enter, and Excel will convert the text to a number.
For example, if you have the text “123” in cell A1, you can convert it to a number by entering the formula `=VALUE(A1)` in another cell.
Using the TEXTTOVALUE Function
Excel 365 and Excel 2019 introduced a new function called TEXTTOVALUE, which provides a more straightforward way to convert text to numbers. This function is similar to the VALUE function but is specifically designed for this purpose. To use the TEXTTOVALUE function, follow these steps:
1. Select the cell where you want the converted number to appear.
2. Enter the following formula: `=TEXTTOVALUE(text)`
3. Replace `text` with the cell reference or the text string you want to convert.
4. Press Enter, and Excel will convert the text to a number.
For instance, if you have the text “456” in cell B1, you can convert it to a number by entering the formula `=TEXTTOVALUE(B1)` in another cell.
Using the Excel Text to Columns Feature
If you have a large amount of text data that contains numbers, you can use the Excel Text to Columns feature to split the text into separate cells and then convert them to numbers. Here’s how to do it:
1. Select the range of text data you want to convert.
2. Go to the Data tab on the ribbon.
3. Click on Text to Columns in the Data Tools group.
4. In the Text to Columns wizard, select Delimited as the data type.
5. Choose the delimiter that separates the numbers from the text (e.g., a comma, space, or tab).
6. Click Next and then Finish to split the text into separate cells.
7. Now, you can convert the text in each cell to a number using the VALUE or TEXTTOVALUE function.
By following these methods, you can easily convert text to numbers in Excel and ensure that your data is accurate and ready for analysis.
