Converting numbers to text in Excel might sound tricky, but it’s a pretty simple process. All you need is a formula, and you’ll have those digits transformed into words in no time. Just follow these quick steps, and you’ll be a number-to-text converting pro!
Step by Step Tutorial: Converting Number to Text in Excel
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re about to do. Excel doesn’t have a built-in ‘convert number to text’ button, but it does have a function called TEXT that we can use creatively to get the job done. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Select the cell where you want the text to appear.
Click on the cell in Excel where you’d like the converted text number to be displayed.
Step 2: Enter the TEXT function formula.
Type in the formula =TEXT(A1,”0″) into the cell, replacing A1 with the cell reference that contains the number you want to convert.
Step 3: Press Enter.
After entering the formula, hit the Enter key to apply the formula to the cell.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the number from the cell you referenced will appear as text in the cell where you input the formula. It’s that simple!
What Happens After Converting Number to Text
After converting your number to text, the value will be displayed as a text string. This means you can no longer perform mathematical operations on it, but it can be useful for scenarios where numbers are better displayed as text, such as phone numbers or identification numbers.
Tips: Mastering Number to Text Conversion in Excel
- Use the TEXT function to add formatting, like dashes or parentheses, to phone numbers.
- Combine the TEXT function with other functions to create more complex formulas.
- Remember that once a number is converted to text, it won’t be considered a number by Excel anymore.
- Use the CONCATENATE function if you need to combine the converted text with other text or numbers.
- Always double-check your cell references in the formula to avoid errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert decimals to text using this method?
Yes, you can convert decimals to text using the TEXT function. Just adjust the formatting in the formula to include decimal places, like =TEXT(A1,”0.00″).
What if I want to convert a number to text without any formatting?
If you want to convert a number to text without any additional formatting, just use the formula =TEXT(A1,”0″).
Can I convert negative numbers to text?
Absolutely! Negative numbers can also be converted to text in Excel using the same method.
Is there a way to convert text back to numbers?
Yes, you can convert text back to numbers by using the VALUE function or by changing the cell format to Number.
Does this method work with dates and times?
Yes, you can use the TEXT function to convert dates and times to text and even apply custom formatting.
Summary
- Select the cell for the text output.
- Enter the TEXT function formula.
- Press Enter.
Conclusion
Converting numbers to text in Excel doesn’t have to be a headache. With the simple steps outlined in this article, you can quickly change those pesky digits into readable, shareable, and presentable text. Whether you’re organizing data, preparing reports, or just trying to make your spreadsheet a bit more user-friendly, knowing how to convert number to text in Excel is an incredibly useful skill to have in your toolkit. The best part? It’s a straightforward process that, once mastered, will become second nature. So go ahead, give these steps a try and watch as your numbers transform before your very eyes. Happy converting!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.