How to Convert Text to Number in Excel | Fix Numbers Stored as Text Easily

🪄 Introduction

Have you ever seen a small green triangle in your Excel cell warning that a number is “stored as text”? 🤔
That simple issue can cause incorrect formulas, sorting, and calculations — and it’s one of the most common Excel problems.

In this article, we’ll show you how to convert text to number in Excel using five easy methods, from using built-in options to quick formulas.

Before we begin, check out these useful Excel guides:
👉 How to Edit in an Excel Cell Without Double Clicking
👉 How to Freeze Rows and Columns in Excel

📊 Why Excel Shows “Numbers Stored as Text”

When you import or copy data from another source (like a website or CSV file), Excel might treat numbers as text strings.
This happens if:

• Numbers have leading spaces or apostrophes ('123)
• Data was copied from a non-Excel source
• The format of the cell is Text instead of Number

When that happens, Excel formulas like SUM() or AVERAGE() won’t work correctly.

🧮 5 Easy Methods to Convert Text to Number in Excel

✅ Method 1: Use the Error Checking Icon

1. Select the cells with the green triangle.
2. Click the warning icon ⚠️ that appears.
3. Choose Convert to Number from the dropdown.
   That’s it! Excel instantly converts those text values into numbers.

✅ Method 2: Use VALUE Function

If you want a formula-based approach:

=VALUE(A1)

This converts the text in cell A1 to a number.
After that, you can copy and paste the values back as numbers.

✅ Method 3: Change the Cell Format

1. Select the cells.
2. Go to Home → Number Format → Number.
3. Press Ctrl + Alt + F9 to refresh formulas if needed.

✅ Method 4: Use Paste Special

This is a classic trick that works great for bulk conversion:

1. In any empty cell, type 1.
2. Copy that cell (Ctrl + C).
3. Select all your text numbers.
4. Go to Home → Paste → Paste Special → Multiply → OK.
   Excel multiplies the text by 1, converting them to numbers.

✅ Method 5: Use Text to Columns

1. Select the column.
2. Go to Data → Text to Columns → Finish.
   Excel automatically converts text-formatted numbers into actual numeric values.

💡 Pro Tips

• Always verify using the ISNUMBER() function: =ISNUMBER(A1) If it returns TRUE, your value is now a real number.
• Use Trim() to remove leading or trailing spaces: =TRIM(A1)

For more Excel customization tricks, read this guide:
👉 How to Lock Cells in Excel to Prevent Editing

📘 Real Example

Imagine you have imported product prices from an online database — Excel might read them as text.
By using Paste Special or VALUE(), you can instantly fix the issue and use them in formulas like =SUM() or =AVERAGE() without errors.

Also read:
👉 How to Create a Drop-Down List in Excel

❓ FAQs – Convert Text to Number in Excel

Q1. Why can’t I sum my numbers in Excel?
Because some numbers are stored as text. Use the VALUE() function or Convert to Number option to fix it.

Q2. What’s the quickest way to convert text to numbers?
Use the error checking icon or Paste Special → Multiply option.

Q3. Will converting text to number affect formulas?
No, it only changes the data type — formulas will work better afterward.

Q4. How can I tell if a number is text?
If it’s left-aligned in the cell or shows a small green triangle, it’s stored as text.

Q5. Can I prevent this issue?
Yes. Always format cells as Number before pasting or importing data.

🏁 Conclusion

Converting text to numbers in Excel is simple once you know the right tricks.
Whether you use Paste Special, VALUE(), or Text to Columns, each method ensures your data behaves correctly in formulas and charts.

For more Excel productivity tutorials, check out:
👉 How to Remove Table in Excel Without Losing Data
👉 How to Reverse a List in Excel