Are you tired of dealing with text data in your Google Sheets that you want to analyze or perform calculations on? Do you wish you could easily convert text to numbers to make your data more manageable and efficient? If so, you’re in luck because Google Sheets offers a range of tools and functions that make it easy to change text to numbers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of converting text to numbers in Google Sheets, including the various methods you can use and the benefits of doing so. We’ll also cover some common use cases and provide tips and tricks for getting the most out of this feature.
Why Change Text to Number in Google Sheets?
Converting text to numbers in Google Sheets is an essential skill for anyone working with data. By changing text to numbers, you can perform calculations, create charts and graphs, and gain insights into your data that would be impossible to obtain with text alone. Here are just a few reasons why changing text to numbers is so important:
- Perform calculations: When text is converted to numbers, you can perform calculations on it, such as summing up values or calculating averages.
- Create charts and graphs: Numbers are essential for creating charts and graphs, which are critical for visualizing data and understanding trends.
- Gain insights: By converting text to numbers, you can gain insights into your data that would be impossible to obtain with text alone.
- Improve data management: Converting text to numbers can also improve data management by making it easier to sort, filter, and analyze data.
Methods for Changing Text to Number in Google Sheets
There are several methods for changing text to numbers in Google Sheets, including using the VALUE function, the NUMBERVALUE function, and the TEXT function. Here’s a brief overview of each method:
The VALUE Function
The VALUE function is one of the most common methods for changing text to numbers in Google Sheets. This function takes a text string as input and returns the corresponding numeric value. Here’s an example of how to use the VALUE function:
| Text String | Result |
|---|---|
| 1,234.56 | 1234.56 |
| 123.456 | 123.456 |
Using the VALUE Function with Dates
The VALUE function can also be used to convert dates to numbers. When you use the VALUE function with a date, it returns the date as a serial number. Here’s an example:
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 1/1/2022 | 44706 |
| 1/2/2022 | 44707 |
The NUMBERVALUE Function
The NUMBERVALUE function is another method for changing text to numbers in Google Sheets. This function takes a text string as input and returns the corresponding numeric value, ignoring any non-numeric characters. Here’s an example of how to use the NUMBERVALUE function:
| Text String | Result |
|---|---|
| 1,234.56 | 1234.56 |
| 123.456 | 123.456 |
Using the NUMBERVALUE Function with Dates
The NUMBERVALUE function can also be used to convert dates to numbers. When you use the NUMBERVALUE function with a date, it returns the date as a serial number. However, the NUMBERVALUE function does not recognize dates, so you’ll need to use a different method to convert dates to numbers. (See Also: How to Use Google Sheets for Graphs? Visual Insights)
The TEXT Function
The TEXT function is a method for changing numbers to text in Google Sheets. However, it can also be used to change numbers to text and then back to numbers. Here’s an example of how to use the TEXT function:
| Number | Result |
|---|---|
| 1234.56 | “1,234.56” |
| 123.456 | “123.456” |
Using the TEXT Function with Dates
The TEXT function can also be used to convert dates to text. When you use the TEXT function with a date, it returns the date as a string. Here’s an example:
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 1/1/2022 | “1/1/2022” |
| 1/2/2022 | “1/2/2022” |
Common Use Cases for Changing Text to Number in Google Sheets
There are many common use cases for changing text to numbers in Google Sheets, including:
Converting Text to Numbers for Calculations
One of the most common use cases for changing text to numbers in Google Sheets is to convert text to numbers for calculations. For example, if you have a column of text data that contains prices, you can use the VALUE function to convert the text to numbers and then perform calculations on the data.
Example:
| Price | Result |
|---|---|
| $1,234.56 | 1234.56 |
| $123.456 | 123.456 |
Converting Text to Numbers for Data Analysis
Another common use case for changing text to numbers in Google Sheets is to convert text to numbers for data analysis. For example, if you have a column of text data that contains dates, you can use the VALUE function to convert the text to numbers and then perform data analysis on the data.
Example:
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 1/1/2022 | 44706 |
| 1/2/2022 | 44707 |
Best Practices for Changing Text to Number in Google Sheets
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when changing text to numbers in Google Sheets: (See Also: How to Save Google Sheets Online? Made Easy)
Use the Correct Function
Make sure to use the correct function for the type of data you are working with. For example, if you are working with dates, use the VALUE function. If you are working with numbers, use the NUMBERVALUE function.
Example:
| Text String | Result |
|---|---|
| 1/1/2022 | 44706 |
| 123.456 | 123.456 |
Use the Correct Format
Make sure to use the correct format for the data you are working with. For example, if you are working with dates, use the MM/DD/YYYY format. If you are working with numbers, use the decimal format.
Example:
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 1/1/2022 | 44706 |
| 123.456 | 123.456 |
Conclusion
Changing text to numbers in Google Sheets is an essential skill for anyone working with data. By using the VALUE function, the NUMBERVALUE function, and the TEXT function, you can convert text to numbers and perform calculations, create charts and graphs, and gain insights into your data. Remember to use the correct function and format for the type of data you are working with, and always test your data to ensure that it is accurate.
Recap
Here’s a recap of the key points covered in this guide:
- Converting text to numbers in Google Sheets is an essential skill for anyone working with data.
- There are several methods for changing text to numbers in Google Sheets, including the VALUE function, the NUMBERVALUE function, and the TEXT function.
- The VALUE function takes a text string as input and returns the corresponding numeric value.
- The NUMBERVALUE function takes a text string as input and returns the corresponding numeric value, ignoring any non-numeric characters.
- The TEXT function takes a number as input and returns the corresponding text string.
- Converting text to numbers can be used for calculations, data analysis, and data visualization.
- Always use the correct function and format for the type of data you are working with.
- Test your data to ensure that it is accurate.
FAQs
How do I convert text to numbers in Google Sheets?
You can convert text to numbers in Google Sheets using the VALUE function, the NUMBERVALUE function, or the TEXT function.
What is the difference between the VALUE and NUMBERVALUE functions?
The VALUE function takes a text string as input and returns the corresponding numeric value. The NUMBERVALUE function takes a text string as input and returns the corresponding numeric value, ignoring any non-numeric characters.
Can I use the TEXT function to convert numbers to text?
Yes, you can use the TEXT function to convert numbers to text. However, this function is not typically used for converting numbers to text, as it is more commonly used for converting numbers to text and then back to numbers.
How do I convert dates to numbers in Google Sheets?
You can convert dates to numbers in Google Sheets using the VALUE function or the NUMBERVALUE function.
Can I use the VALUE function to convert text to numbers with decimal places?
Yes, you can use the VALUE function to convert text to numbers with decimal places. However, you will need to use the correct format for the data you are working with.