How to Convert Text to Numbers in Excel - Practical Guide

Learn to convert text-formatted numbers into actual numeric values for calculations. This essential skill fixes import errors, enables sorting and math operations, and ensures data integrity. You'll master multiple conversion methods including the VALUE function, Find & Replace, and the Text to Columns feature.

Why This Matters

Text-formatted numbers prevent calculations, sorting, and analysis, causing critical errors in financial reports and data analysis. Converting them is essential for spreadsheet functionality and accurate business intelligence.

Prerequisites

•Basic familiarity with Excel interface and cell selection
•Understanding of the difference between text and numeric formats
•Access to a spreadsheet with text-formatted numbers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Identify Text-Formatted Numbers

Select the column containing text numbers and look for left alignment (instead of right) or a small green triangle warning in cell corners. Numbers stored as text won't participate in sum formulas or sort correctly.

Use the VALUE Function

In an adjacent empty column, enter =VALUE(A1) to convert text to numbers, replacing A1 with your cell reference. Copy the formula down for all text values using Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V.

Copy Converted Values

Select the formula results, press Ctrl+C to copy, then select the original column and use Paste Special (Ctrl+Shift+V) > Values only to replace text with actual numbers.

Delete the Helper Column

Right-click the temporary formula column header and select Delete to remove the helper column after pasting values.

Verify the Conversion

Check that numbers now align right, any green warnings disappear, and formulas (like SUM) calculate correctly across the converted range.

Alternative Methods

Text to Columns Method

Select text numbers, go to Data > Text to Columns > Next > Next > select General format > Finish. This directly converts text to numbers without helper columns.

Find & Replace with Formatting

Select the range, use Ctrl+H (Find & Replace), leave both fields empty, click Replace All, then format as numbers via Home > Number Format > Number.

Multiply by 1 Method

In an adjacent column, use =A1*1 to force numeric conversion, then copy results and paste as values to replace originals.

Tips & Tricks

✓Always keep a backup of original data before converting large datasets to ensure you can revert if needed.
✓Use Text to Columns for bulk conversions as it's faster than VALUE formulas for large datasets.
✓After conversion, remove any leading/trailing spaces with TRIM function if numbers still won't calculate.
✓Check the status bar sum display—if it shows 0 after selecting number cells, they're still stored as text.

Pro Tips

★Use conditional formatting to highlight remaining text values after conversion: Home > Conditional Formatting > Highlight Cell Rules > More Rules > Formula Is > =ISTEXT(A1).
★Combine VALUE with IFERROR to safely convert mixed text/number ranges: =IFERROR(VALUE(A1),A1) prevents errors from blank cells.
★For large imports, use Data > From Text/CSV to specify numeric format during import, avoiding post-conversion entirely.

Troubleshooting

VALUE function returns #VALUE! error

The text likely contains non-numeric characters. Use Find & Replace to remove spaces, currency symbols, or special characters before converting.

Numbers still align left after conversion

You pasted formulas instead of values. Select cells again, copy, use Paste Special > Values only, then press Delete to clear the formulas.

Text to Columns doesn't convert the data

Ensure the delimiter is set to 'General' format in step 3, not 'Text'. Re-run the wizard and verify the format dropdown shows 'General' for the column.

Green triangle warning persists

Click the warning icon and select 'Convert to Number' from the dropdown, or check Home > Number Format to confirm the format is Number, not Text.

Related Excel Formulas

VALUE ISTEXT IFERROR TRIM SUBSTITUTE NUMBERVALUE

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't my SUM formula work on these numbers?

Numbers stored as text are ignored by calculation functions like SUM. You must convert them to actual numeric values first using VALUE, Text to Columns, or multiplication by 1.

Can I convert text to numbers without creating helper columns?

Yes, use the Text to Columns feature (Data > Text to Columns) which converts in-place without helper columns, or use Find & Replace with format changes for quick conversion.

What's the fastest way to convert thousands of text numbers?

Text to Columns is fastest for bulk conversion. Select all data, go to Data > Text to Columns, keep defaults, and click Finish. It converts the entire range instantly without formulas.

How do I convert numbers with currency symbols like $1,000.50?

First remove the currency symbol and comma using Find & Replace: Find '$' and ',' separately, replace with nothing. Then convert using VALUE or Text to Columns.

Will converting text to numbers affect my original formulas?

No, formulas referencing these cells will work better after conversion. Just ensure you paste converted values only (not formulas) to replace the original text numbers.