Convert Text to Number in Google Sheets: 3 Easy Steps

Google Sheets Convert Text to Number

Converting text to numbers in Google Sheets is a common task that users may need to perform for accurate data manipulation and analysis. There are several methods to achieve this, ranging from basic to advanced techniques.

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Basic Conversion Methods

There are three primary methods for converting text to numbers in Google Sheets: using the VALUE function, adjusting cell formatting, and employing a simple multiplication trick.

• Using the VALUE Function: The VALUE function converts a text string that represents a number into a numerical value. Its syntax is '=VALUE(text)', where 'text' is the cell address containing the string to be converted. This function is useful for strings formatted as text but needed as numbers in formulas.

• Format Menu and Number Formatting: Another method involves using the Format menu. By selecting the cells to be converted and navigating to the Format menu on the toolbar, users can choose Number to apply number formatting. This method ensures that numbers are right-aligned, indicating they’re formatted as numbers.
• Multiplication by One: A simple multiplication operation can force the conversion of text into a numeric value. By entering a formula that multiplies the text by one, such as '=A1*1', the resulting cell value becomes a number. This method can be applied to individual cells or a range of cells through an array formula.

Advanced Techniques and Functions

For more complex scenarios, advanced techniques using functions can offer precision and address issues such as formatting inconsistencies and the inclusion of dates and times.

• Regular Expressions with REGEXREPLACE: The REGEXREPLACE function can transform strings containing numbers mixed with text into numeric values. For example, '=VALUE(REGEXREPLACE(A1, "[^\d.]", ""))' extracts numbers from a string and converts them into a decimal value.

• Handling Dates and Times: To convert text into a recognizable date value or time value, DATEVALUE and TIMEVALUE functions are used. They parse text and return the date or time in a numerical format that Google Sheets understands.
• Utilizing ARRAYFORMULA for Bulk Conversion: The ARRAYFORMULA function allows for the conversion of entire ranges at once. For instance, '=ARRAYFORMULA(VALUE(A1:A10))' converts all text values in cells A1 through A10 to numbers.

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Efficiently converting text to numbers in Google Sheets enhances data accuracy and streamlines workflows, making it a valuable skill for users.

Google Sheets Format Number as Text

While the focus has been on converting text to numbers, there are also scenarios where users might need to format numbers as text. This can be achieved using the TEXT function, which converts a number into text according to a specified format. For example, '=TEXT(123, "000")' formats the number 123 as "123" text. Additionally, the TO_TEXT function can convert numbers to strings while preserving the original cell formatting.

Learn about Google Sheets add-ons and how they can enhance your data management experience.

While converting text to numbers in Google Sheets can be done manually through various methods as mentioned, automating these tasks can significantly enhance your productivity and accuracy. With Bardeen, you can automate numerous Google Sheets operations, saving you a lot of time and reducing the risk of human error. Here are some compelling automation examples you might consider:

1. Copy Google News for a keyword and save results to Google Sheets: This playbook automates the process of fetching Google News results for specified keywords and saving them directly into a Google Sheet, ideal for tracking mentions of your company or industry trends.
2. Send a Slack message counting the rows in a Google Sheet: Perfect for teams, this playbook counts the rows of data in a Google Sheet and sends a notification via Slack, keeping everyone updated on project progress or data collection milestones.
3. Copy a newly created Asana task to Google Sheets: Streamline your workflow by automatically copying details of new tasks from Asana directly into a Google Sheet, making project management and tracking more efficient.

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