Excel VALUE: Text That Looks Like a Number
By Szabó Gergő · Updated
VALUE turns a numeric string into a real number. Use it after CSV imports that store amounts as text.
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Syntax and arguments
=VALUE(text)- text
- A cell that looks like 12 or 12.50 but is text.
VALUE examples
A2 looks like 12.
=VALUE(A2)*B2Multiplication can run after VALUE.
Microsoft 365.
=VALUE(A2:A100)Spill a numeric copy, then SUM that spill.
A2 is $12.00.
=VALUE(SUBSTITUTE(A2,"$",""))Strip the symbol first if VALUE cannot parse it.
Common mistakes
VALUE on a real number
It still works, but you do not need it. Check with ISTEXT first.
European commas
SUBSTITUTE commas before VALUE, or use NUMBERVALUE where available.
Dates as text
Prefer DATEVALUE or DATE, not VALUE, if you need a date.
VALUE FAQ
Why does SUM ignore the column?
SUM skips text. Convert or use VALUE in a helper column.
Is N() the same?
N returns 0 for most text. VALUE raises #VALUE! if the string is not numeric.
Green corners on cells?
That is Excel warning that numbers are stored as text. Convert in place or with VALUE.