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How to convert text to a number in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:Text manipulationExcel & Google Sheets
=VALUE(A2)Try it with your data
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Step by step
- 1In a new column, enter =VALUE(A2) to convert the text-number.
- 2Or use =A2*1, which also forces a real number.
- 3Copy down, then paste as values over the originals if needed.
Tips
- Text-numbers usually align left and may show a green triangle in Excel; real numbers align right.
- If VALUE errors, the text has stray characters — clean it with =VALUE(TRIM(SUBSTITUTE(A2, ",", ""))).
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Frequently asked
Why does SUM ignore some of my numbers?
They are stored as text, not numbers. Convert them with VALUE() or multiply by 1, then SUM will include them.
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