How to Convert Numbers to Text
This article explains how to convert numbers to text in Excel. Converting numbers to text can be useful for maintaining specific display formats or avoiding calculations. Several methods are introduced below.
Using the TEXT Function to Convert Numbers to Text
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Original Number | Converted to Text | ||
| 2 | 1234.5647 | =TEXT(A2, “0.00”) | ||
| 3 | 10000.2347 | =TEXT(A3, “0”) |
Steps
- Enter numbers in column A.
- Use the TEXT function in column B to convert numbers to text.
- For instance, in B2, enter:
=TEXT(A2, “0.00”) to convert the number in A2 to text with two decimal places.
Function Details
The TEXT function formats a number as text based on the specified display format.
Results
If A2 contains “1234.5647”, B2 will display 1234.56. Similarly, if A3 contains “10000.2347”, B3 will display 10000.
Using an Apostrophe (‘) to Input Numbers as Text
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Original Number | Converted to Text | ||
| 2 | ‘1234 | 1234 | ||
| 3 | ‘10000 | 10000 |
Steps
- Precede the number with an apostrophe (‘) in column A.
- For example, enter ‘1234 in A2.
- The cell will display 1234 without showing the apostrophe.
Method Details
The apostrophe forces Excel to treat the input as text, which is useful for avoiding calculations.
Results
When ‘1234 is entered in A2, Excel treats it as text and excludes it from calculations.
Using Cell Formatting to Display Numbers as Text
Note: This method changes the appearance but not the actual data type.
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Original Number | Formatted as Text | ||
| 2 | 5678 | 5678 | ||
| 3 | 9000 | 9000 |
Steps
- Select the cells and right-click to open “Format Cells.”
- Under “Category,” choose “Text” and click OK.
Method Details
Setting the cell format to “Text” ensures that numbers are treated as text and not included in calculations.
Results
If A2 contains “5678,” the formatted cell will display it as text.
Conclusion
In Excel, you can convert numbers to text using the TEXT function, an apostrophe (‘), or cell formatting. Choose the method that best suits your needs for converting and handling numeric data as text.