How to Use the VALUE Function in Excel
Today, we will delve into the capabilities of the VALUE function, which is integral to both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. This function is adept at converting text strings, which represent numbers, into actual numerical values that can be utilized in subsequent calculations.
Basic Syntax
The syntax for the VALUE function is identical in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets:
=VALUE(text)text: The text string that you intend to convert into a numerical format.
Examples of Usage
Let us examine some practical applications to understand how the VALUE function operates effectively:
Example 1: Converting Text to Number
In this instance, suppose we have a text value in cell A1 that we seek to convert to a numerical value in cell B1:
| A | B |
|---|---|
| ‘123’ | =VALUE(A1) |
The formula =VALUE(A1) will transform the text ‘123’ in cell A1 into the numeric value 123 in cell B1.
Example 2: Handling Error Values
During data import into Excel or Google Sheets, it’s common to encounter numbers formatted as text. The VALUE function can be employed to convert these texts back to usable numerical values. If a text string is not convertible, the function will yield an error.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| ‘5.67’ | =VALUE(A1) |
In this scenario, the text ‘5.67’ in cell A1 will be converted into the numeric value 5.67 in cell B1.
Wrap Up
The VALUE function proves to be an invaluable asset in Excel and Google Sheets for converting text strings into numerical data. This functionality is crucial for ensuring that your data is properly formatted for detailed calculations and thorough analysis.
More information: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/value-function-257d0108-07dc-437d-ae1c-bc2d3953d8c2