VALUE Function in Excel
Master VALUE to convert text to numbers in Excel & Google Sheets. Learn syntax, examples, error fixes, and best practices for data conversion.
Excel
Google SheetsExcelGoogle Sheets=VALUE(text)Quick Answer
VALUE function VALUE function is a text function in Excel and Google Sheets that converts a text string representing a number, date, or time into a numeric value that can be used in calculations. It returns a number and is commonly used for cleaning imported data, converting formatted text numbers, and preparing data for mathematical operations.
Practical Examples
Basic Text to Number Conversion
Convert a simple text string to a number for calculations
Currency Text Conversion
Remove currency formatting from imported financial data
Date String to Serial Number
Convert text dates to Excel date serial numbers for date calculations
Percentage Text Processing
Convert percentage strings for rate calculations
Cleaning Imported Database Data
Process mixed format numbers from database exports
Time String Conversion
Convert time text to decimal values for time calculations
Scientific Notation Handling
Convert scientific notation text to standard numbers
Common Errors and Solutions
VALUE function cannot convert the text
The text string contains non-numeric characters that VALUE cannot interpret, such as multiple decimal points, letters mixed with numbers, or unrecognized date formats
1. Check the text for non-numeric characters using ISTEXT 2. Remove extra characters with SUBSTITUTE or CLEAN 3. Use TRIM to remove extra spaces 4. For mixed alphanumeric, extract numbers using MID, LEFT, or RIGHT 5. Consider using NUMBERVALUE for more control
Always validate imported data formats before applying VALUE. Create a helper column that uses IFERROR to catch conversion failures
Example:
Excel doesn't recognize the VALUE function
Typo in function name, missing opening parenthesis, or extremely rare case of corrupted Excel installation
1. Verify spelling: VALUE not VALUES or VALU 2. Ensure opening parenthesis follows immediately: VALUE( 3. Check that Excel language settings match function name 4. In non-English Excel, use local function name
Use Excel's autocomplete feature when typing functions. Start with = and begin typing VALUE to see suggestions
Example:
VALUE returns 0 instead of expected number
The cell contains an empty string, spaces only, or a formula returning empty text (""). VALUE converts empty text to 0 rather than showing an error
1. Check if source cell is truly empty using LEN function 2. Use IF to test for empty before VALUE: =IF(A1="","",VALUE(A1)) 3. Look for formulas returning "" in source cells 4. Consider using TRIM to remove all spaces first
Implement data validation to prevent empty strings in numeric fields. Use conditional formatting to highlight potential issues
Example:
Decimal numbers convert incorrectly (e.g., 1,234 becomes 1234 instead of 1.234)
Regional settings mismatch between data source and Excel. European format uses commas for decimals and periods for thousands, opposite of US format
1. Check Excel's regional settings (File > Options > Language) 2. Use NUMBERVALUE with specific decimal/group separators 3. Pre-process with SUBSTITUTE to swap separators 4. Adjust Windows regional settings if needed 5. Use Power Query for consistent import handling
Standardize data formats at the source. Document expected formats for data imports. Use NUMBERVALUE when dealing with international data
Example:
Date strings don't convert or give unexpected numbers
Ambiguous date formats (MM/DD vs DD/MM), future dates beyond Excel's range, or text dates in unrecognized formats
1. Verify date format matches system settings 2. Use DATE function with parsed components instead 3. Check for dates before 1/1/1900 or after 12/31/9999 4. Use DATEVALUE specifically for date strings 5. Parse with MID, LEFT, RIGHT then reconstruct with DATE
Standardize date formats in source data. Use ISO format (YYYY-MM-DD) when possible. Document expected date formats for users
Example:
Best Practices and Advanced Tips
Bulk Conversion Technique
For large datasets, use Paste Special > Multiply by 1 as a faster alternative to VALUE. Select all text numbers, copy a cell containing 1, then Paste Special > Multiply. This converts thousands of cells instantly without formulas.
Performance Optimization
VALUE is lightweight, but for 10,000+ rows, consider using Power Query's data type conversion instead. Power Query handles type conversion during import, eliminating the need for VALUE formulas entirely.
Regional Settings Awareness
VALUE respects system regional settings. A file that works in the US might fail in Europe due to different decimal separators. Always test with sample data when sharing internationally.
Error-Proof Implementation
Always wrap VALUE in IFERROR when processing unknown data: =IFERROR(VALUE(A1), A1). This returns the original text if conversion fails, preventing formula cascading errors.
Alternative Functions Comparison
NUMBERVALUE offers more control with custom separators. DATEVALUE specializes in dates. TEXT function does the reverse. Choose based on specific needs: VALUE for general use, specialized functions for specific scenarios.
Combining with Text Functions
Chain VALUE with text manipulation for complex conversions: =VALUE(SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(A1,"$",""),",","")). This removes both currency symbols and thousand separators before conversion.
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Example Excel formula:
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