How to Convert Text to Numbers on Google Sheets: 8 Quick Ways. In this article, we will explore 8 quick ways to do it.
If you use Google Sheets frequently, you might have encountered a situation where you need to convert text to numbers. It is a common scenario when you import data from other sources or when you want to perform calculations using numeric values. Google Sheets offers various ways to convert text to numbers.
Intro
If you work with data in Google Sheets, you may come across situations where the numbers are stored as text. This can be problematic when you need to perform calculations or analysis on the data, as Google Sheets treats text as text and not as numbers. Fortunately, there are several quick and easy ways to convert text to numbers in Google Sheets, allowing you to work with the data more efficiently.
In this article, we will explore 8 different methods to convert text to numbers on Google Sheets, including built-in functions and tools, as well as third-party add-ons. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to convert text to numbers in Google Sheets and be able to apply these methods to your data.
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1. Using the VALUE Function
The VALUE function in Google Sheets converts a string into a number. To use this function, you need to enter the following formula in a cell:
=VALUE(cell_reference)
Replace cell_reference with the cell that contains the text you want to convert. For example, if the text is in cell A1, the formula will be:
=VALUE(A1)
2. Using the Number Format Option
Another quick way to convert text to numbers is by changing the number format of the cells. To do this, select the cells that contain the text you want to convert and click on the “123” button in the toolbar. Then, select the desired number format from the dropdown menu. This will convert the text to numbers based on the selected format.
3. Using the Paste Special Option
You can also use the Paste Special option to convert text to numbers. First, copy the text you want to convert. Then, right-click on the destination cell and select “Paste Special.” In the Paste Special dialog box, select “Values” and click on “OK.” This will paste the copied text as numbers.
4. Using the INT Function
If the text you want to convert represents integers, you can use the INT function. This function rounds down a decimal number to the nearest integer. To use this function, enter the following formula in a cell:
=INT(cell_reference)
Replace cell_reference with the cell that contains the text you want to convert.
5. Using the TRUNC Function
Like the INT function, the TRUNC function removes the decimal part of a number. To use this function, enter the following formula in a cell:
=TRUNC(cell_reference)
Replace cell_reference with the cell that contains the text you want to convert.
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6. Using the LEFT Function
If the text you want to convert has a consistent structure, you can use the LEFT function to extract the numeric part. The LEFT function returns a specified number of characters from the beginning of a text string. To use this function, enter the following formula in a cell:
=LEFT(cell_reference, number_of_characters)
Replace cell_reference with the cell that contains the text you want to convert and number_of_characters with the number of characters you want to extract.
7. Using the MID Function
Similar to the LEFT function, the MID function can extract a specific part of a text string. The difference is that MID extracts characters from the middle of the string. To use this function, enter the following formula in a cell:
=MID(cell_reference, starting_position, number_of_characters)
Replace cell_reference with the cell that contains the text you want to convert, starting_position with the position of the first character you want to extract, and number_of_characters with the number of characters you want to extract.
8. Using the SUBSTITUTE and VALUE Functions
If the text you want to convert has non-numeric characters, you can use the SUBSTITUTE and VALUE functions together. The SUBSTITUTE function replaces a specified text in a string with another text, while the VALUE function converts a string to a number. To use these functions, enter the following formula in a cell:
`=VALUE(SUBSTITUTE(cell
Replace cell_reference with the cell that contains the text you want to convert and text_to_replace with the non-numeric character you want to replace. For example, if the text is in cell A1 and you want to replace the dollar sign with nothing, the formula will be:
=VALUE(SUBSTITUTE(A1,”$”,””))
This will remove the dollar sign and convert the remaining text to a number.
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In conclusion, converting text to numbers in Google Sheets can be achieved using various methods, depending on the nature of the data. The methods discussed in this article offer quick and efficient ways to convert text to numbers, allowing you to perform calculations and analysis on your data.
Conclusion
In conclusion, converting text to numbers is an essential skill for anyone who works with data in Google Sheets. By converting text to numbers, you can perform calculations and analysis on your data more efficiently and accurately. In this article, we’ve explored 8 different methods to convert text to numbers on Google Sheets.
Including built-in functions like VALUE, LEFT, and MID, as well as third-party add-ons like Power Tools and Remove Non-Numeric Characters. We’ve also discussed some tips and best practices for converting text to numbers, such as using the Paste Special option, converting numbers to text, and dealing with non-numeric characters.
Overall, the method you choose to convert text to numbers depends on the nature of your data and the specific requirements of your project. Some methods may work better than others, depending on the size of your data set, the number of non-numeric characters, and other factors. However, by understanding these 8 methods and experimenting with them, you’ll be able to find the best approach for your data.
FAQs
Can I convert multiple cells at once using these methods?
You can apply these methods to multiple cells by selecting the range of cells before entering the formula or using the Paste Special option.
What if the text I want to convert contains numeric and non-numeric characters?
You can use the methods that extract the numeric part of the text, such as the LEFT and MID functions, or the SUBSTITUTE and VALUE functions to remove the non-numeric characters.
Can I convert numbers to text using these methods?
No, these methods only work for converting text to numbers. To convert numbers to text, you can use the TEXT function or change the cell format to “Plain Text”.
What if the text I want to convert contains decimal numbers?
You can use the methods discussed in this article, such as the VALUE function or the Paste Special option, to convert the text to numbers, including decimal numbers.
Do these methods work on other spreadsheet software besides Google Sheets?
Some of these methods may work on other spreadsheet software, but the steps and formulas may differ. It is best to consult the documentation of the software you use for specific instructions.
Finally, converting text to numbers on Google Sheets is a simple yet powerful technique that can help you unlock the full potential of your data. Whether you’re a student, a business analyst, or a data scientist, these methods will save you time and effort, and allow you to work more efficiently with your data.
