Numeric Values May Be Treated as Text

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0
• Microsoft Excel for OS/2, versions 2.2 and 3.0

SUMMARY

Numeric values imported from other applications may be treated as text by Microsoft Excel. To correct this problem, activate each cell containing a "text number" and reenter it (press F2 and then ENTER).

MORE INFORMATION

To convert a selected range of cells, select a range of cells containing the values to be converted, and then use either of the following macros.

Sample Macro 1

A1: Convert A2: =ERROR(TRUE,MACRO1.XLM!$A$6) A3: =REFTEXT(ACTIVE.CELL()) A4: =IF(LEFT(GET.CELL(6),1)="=",GOTO(A6)) A5: =FORMULA(VALUE(ACTIVE.CELL()),ACTIVE.CELL()) A6: =SELECT(,"RC[1]") A7: =IF(REFTEXT(ACTIVE.CELL())<>A3,GOTO(A5),RETURN())

NOTE: This macro will have no effect on cells containing true text or formulas. The macro assumes that it is located on a macro sheet named MACRO1.XLM; if your macro sheet name differs, modify the macro sheet name in cell A2 accordingly. Do not use this macro on a single cell.

Sample Macro 2

A1: ConvertTextToNumber A2: =FOR.CELL("CurrentCell",SELECTION(),FALSE) A3: =SELECT(CurrentCell) A4: =FORMULA(GET.CELL(5,CurrentCell)*1) A5: =SELECT("r[1]c") A6: =NEXT() A7: =RETURN()

Microsoft provides macro examples for illustration only, without warranty either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. This macro is provided 'as is' and Microsoft does not guarantee that the following code can be used in all situations. Microsoft does not support modifications of the code to suit customer requirements for a particular purpose.

For additional information, please see the following article(s) in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q75945
   TITLE     : Converting Text to Numbers in Excel