NUMBERVALUE

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the NUMBERVALUE function in Excel, which is used to convert text representations of numbers into actual numeric values. This function is particularly useful when dealing with data imported from external sources that may contain numbers formatted as text. By the end of this article, you will have a thorough understanding of the NUMBERVALUE function, its syntax, examples, tips and tricks, common mistakes, troubleshooting, and related formulae.

NUMBERVALUE Syntax

The syntax for the NUMBERVALUE function in Excel is as follows:

NUMBERVALUE(text, [decimal_separator], [group_separator])

Where:

• text (required) – The text representation of the number you want to convert to a numeric value.
• decimal_separator (optional) – The character used as the decimal separator in the text number. If omitted, Excel will use the default decimal separator defined in your system settings.
• group_separator (optional) – The character used as the group separator (e.g., thousands separator) in the text number. If omitted, Excel will use the default group separator defined in your system settings.

NUMBERVALUE Examples

Let’s explore some examples of using the NUMBERVALUE function in Excel:

Example 1: Basic usage

Suppose you have the following text number in cell A1: “1,234.56”. To convert this text number to a numeric value, you can use the following formula:

=NUMBERVALUE(A1)

This formula will return the numeric value 1234.56.

Example 2: Custom decimal and group separators

Consider a situation where you have a text number in cell A1: “1.234,56” (using a period as the group separator and a comma as the decimal separator). To convert this text number to a numeric value, you can use the following formula:

=NUMBERVALUE(A1, “,”, “.”)

This formula will return the numeric value 1234.56, correctly interpreting the custom decimal and group separators.

NUMBERVALUE Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the NUMBERVALUE function:

1. When dealing with large datasets, you can use the “Find and Replace” feature in Excel to quickly replace custom decimal and group separators with the default separators before using the NUMBERVALUE function.
2. If you need to convert an entire range of text numbers to numeric values, you can use the NUMBERVALUE function in combination with an array formula. For example, if you have a range of text numbers in A1:A10, you can use the following array formula to convert all of them to numeric values:

=NUMBERVALUE(A1:A10)

3. Keep in mind that the NUMBERVALUE function will return an error if the text argument contains non-numeric characters (other than the decimal and group separators). To handle such cases, you can use the IFERROR function to return a default value or a custom message:

=IFERROR(NUMBERVALUE(A1), “Invalid number”)

Common Mistakes When Using NUMBERVALUE

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using the NUMBERVALUE function:

1. Forgetting to specify the correct decimal and group separators when dealing with text numbers that use non-default separators. This can lead to incorrect results or errors.
2. Using the NUMBERVALUE function on text that contains non-numeric characters (other than the decimal and group separators). This will result in an error. To handle such cases, consider using the IFERROR function as mentioned in the Tips & Tricks section.
3. Not using an array formula when converting a range of text numbers to numeric values. Remember to use the correct syntax for array formulas, as shown in the Tips & Tricks section.

Why Isn’t My NUMBERVALUE Working?

If your NUMBERVALUE function isn’t working as expected, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Double-check the syntax of your formula and ensure that you have specified the correct arguments.
2. Make sure that the text argument contains a valid number with the correct decimal and group separators. If necessary, use the IFERROR function to handle cases where the text contains non-numeric characters.
3. If you’re working with a range of text numbers, ensure that you’re using an array formula with the correct syntax.
4. Check your system settings to confirm the default decimal and group separators. If necessary, adjust these settings or specify the correct separators in your NUMBERVALUE formula.

NUMBERVALUE: Related Formulae

Here are some related formulae that you may find useful when working with the NUMBERVALUE function:

1. VALUE: The VALUE function is similar to NUMBERVALUE, but it does not allow you to specify custom decimal and group separators. It can be used to convert text numbers that use the default separators to numeric values.
2. TEXT: The TEXT function can be used to convert numeric values to text, applying a specified number format. This can be useful when you need to display numbers in a specific format or concatenate them with other text.
3. LEFT, RIGHT, MID: These text manipulation functions can be used to extract specific parts of a text number before using the NUMBERVALUE function to convert it to a numeric value.
4. IFERROR: As mentioned earlier, the IFERROR function can be used in combination with NUMBERVALUE to handle cases where the text argument contains non-numeric characters or invalid separators.
5. TRIM: The TRIM function can be used to remove any leading or trailing spaces from a text number before using the NUMBERVALUE function to convert it to a numeric value.

With this comprehensive guide, you should now have a solid understanding of the NUMBERVALUE function in Excel, its syntax, examples, tips and tricks, common mistakes, troubleshooting, and related formulae. Use this knowledge to effectively convert text numbers to numeric values in your Excel worksheets.