Is it possible to read numbers stored as text with a formula?

[excelos]

Hello!

Is there a formula that will read the numbers from a column that contains numbers but stored as text?

Thanks!

 

[DanteAmor]

If you have cell B3 this: '123.
In cell C3 put the formula: =--B3

It will give you the number 123

 

[Joe4]

You can also convert the whole column to "numbers entered as numbers and not text" all at once by highlighting the column, selecting "Text to Columns" from the "Data" menu, and clicking "Finish".

 

[DanteAmor]

Or Access to error checking box and Convert to Number

 

[Joe4]

Or Access to error checking box and Convert to Number

Can that be applied to the whole column at once, or do you need to go cell-by-cell?

 

[DanteAmor]

Can that be applied to the whole column at once, or do you need to go cell-by-cell?

Yes, select all cells Access to error checking box and Convert to Number

 

[Joe4]

Yes, select all cells Access to error checking box and Convert to Number

Cool! I never knew you could do that on multiple cells at once.
I learned a new trick today!
Thank you!

 

[DanteAmor]

Cool! I never knew you could do that on multiple cells at once.
I learned a new trick today!
Thank you!

A friend from the office showed it to me . It is always possible to learn something new every day.

 

[Joe4]

It is always possible to learn something new every day.

Yes, especially with Excel.
You never stop learning!

 

[excelos]

I need to refer to a column that has numbers stored as text for a COUNTIFS.

Can I use e.g. --$A:$A to refer to the column A and use it as numbers?