Syntax
VALUE(text)
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| text | Parameter of the VALUE function. |
Examples
Convert text number to real number
Formula
=VALUE(A2)
Returns: 1234.56 — converts the text string "1234.56" into a number you can use in calculations
Convert text date to date value
Formula
=VALUE("2024-03-15")
Returns: 45366 — the serial number representing March 15, 2024 (format as date to see the date)
Fix imported data for calculations
Formula
=SUM(VALUE(A2), VALUE(A3), VALUE(A4))
Returns: the numeric sum of text-formatted numbers that SUM alone would skip
Common Errors
#VALUE!
The text cannot be interpreted as a number. Remove non-numeric characters (currency symbols, commas in some locales, letters) before using VALUE.
#VALUE!
The cell contains invisible characters like non-breaking spaces. Use CLEAN(TRIM(A1)) before VALUE.
Tips
Multiply by 1 shortcut
Instead of VALUE(A1), you can use A1*1 or A1+0 to force a text-to-number conversion. It is shorter but less explicit.
Fix entire column
To convert a whole column from text to numbers: add a helper column with =VALUE(A2), paste as values, then delete the original.
Check if text or number
Use ISNUMBER(A1) to test if a cell is already a number. If FALSE, the value might need VALUE() conversion.
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