Text to Numbers

[Guest]

Here's what I have: Spreadsheet with column of currency that was formatted
as "text". I inserted a column to the right - put in formula =" "&A1 and the
numbers then appears as numbers (without the little green tab in the corner).
Then I wanted to delete the first column but can't because formula refers to
it. I inserted a third column, copied 2nd column and paste special (values)
but the text tab reappears. Is there some way to eliminate the original text
column or copy the second column and keep it formatted as just number or
currency?

 

[Bernard Liengme]

I enter '1/1/2007 in A1; the ' makes this text
In B1 I entered =--F1; the double negation coheres the text to number
I am working in dd/mm/yyyy format so the number I get is 39083
When I format this as date it show the correct date
Now I can select B1 (or a whole range( use Copy followed by Paste Special
Value. Please note: you do not need to do this in a new column, you can
paste over the top of the formulas

The same method worked when I preformatted a cell as text and entered a date
I could not get you " "&A1 method to work
best wishes

 

[Stephen]

Here's what I have: Spreadsheet with column of currency that was
formatted
as "text". I inserted a column to the right - put in formula =" "&A1 and
the
numbers then appears as numbers (without the little green tab in the
corner).
Then I wanted to delete the first column but can't because formula refers
to
it. I inserted a third column, copied 2nd column and paste special
(values)
but the text tab reappears. Is there some way to eliminate the original
text
column or copy the second column and keep it formatted as just number or
currency?

I don't think the little green tabs have anything to do with it being text
or not.
The formula =" "&A1 will not convert text to a number. Its result is
definitely text.
To convert text to a number use =VALUE(A1).
Copy and paste special (values) on the results of this and you should
achieve what you want.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Bernard but I wasn't converting dates. I was trying to convert a
column of numbers formatted as text into just plain numbers or currency. I
figured it out by using =Value(A1) then copy, paste special value.

Thanks though

 

[Saruman]

To convert "Text Numbers" to numbers is easier than that.

Type a number one in a spare blank cell and then copy the cell.

Highlight the text numbers that need to be converted, right click, paste
special, select multiply in the Operation area.

Click ok out of it. The text numbers are now numerical numbers.

Enjoy