In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the TO_PURE_NUMBER formula in Google Sheets. The TO_PURE_NUMBER function is a versatile and powerful tool that allows you to convert a text string or a number formatted as text into a pure number. This can be incredibly useful when working with data that has been imported from various sources or when dealing with numbers that have been formatted as text due to various reasons.
TO_PURE_NUMBER Syntax
The syntax for the TO_PURE_NUMBER function is quite simple and straightforward. It consists of the function name followed by a single argument enclosed in parentheses:
TO_PURE_NUMBER(value)
Where value is the text string or number formatted as text that you want to convert into a pure number. The function will return the converted number, or an error if the input cannot be converted into a number.
TO_PURE_NUMBER Examples
Let’s take a look at some examples of how the TO_PURE_NUMBER function can be used in Google Sheets:
Example 1: Converting a simple text string to a number
=TO_PURE_NUMBER(“123”)
In this example, the function will convert the text string “123” into the number 123.
Example 2: Converting a number formatted as text with a currency symbol
=TO_PURE_NUMBER(“$1,000”)
Here, the function will convert the text string “$1,000” into the number 1000, removing the currency symbol and the comma.
Example 3: Converting a number formatted as text with a percentage symbol
=TO_PURE_NUMBER(“50%”)
In this case, the function will convert the text string “50%” into the number 0.5, recognizing the percentage symbol and dividing the value by 100.
TO_PURE_NUMBER Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the TO_PURE_NUMBER function in Google Sheets:
Tip 1: Use TO_PURE_NUMBER to fix numbers formatted as text
If you have a column of numbers that are formatted as text and causing issues in your calculations, you can use the TO_PURE_NUMBER function to quickly convert them into pure numbers. Simply apply the function to each cell in the column, and then copy the results to a new column or overwrite the original data.
Tip 2: Combine TO_PURE_NUMBER with other functions
You can combine the TO_PURE_NUMBER function with other functions in Google Sheets to perform more complex calculations or data manipulations. For example, you can use TO_PURE_NUMBER in conjunction with the SUM function to add up a range of numbers that may include some values formatted as text:
=SUM(ARRAYFORMULA(TO_PURE_NUMBER(A1:A10)))
This formula will convert all the values in the range A1:A10 to pure numbers and then calculate their sum.
Common Mistakes When Using TO_PURE_NUMBER
Here are some common mistakes that users make when using the TO_PURE_NUMBER function in Google Sheets:
Mistake 1: Not providing a valid input
The TO_PURE_NUMBER function requires a text string or a number formatted as text as its input. If you provide a value that cannot be converted into a number, the function will return an error. Make sure to check your input data and ensure that it can be converted into a number before using the TO_PURE_NUMBER function.
Mistake 2: Using TO_PURE_NUMBER on a range of cells
The TO_PURE_NUMBER function is designed to work with a single value, not a range of cells. If you need to apply the function to a range of cells, you can use the ARRAYFORMULA function in combination with TO_PURE_NUMBER, as shown in the example in the Tips & Tricks section above.
Why Isn’t My TO_PURE_NUMBER Working?
If your TO_PURE_NUMBER function isn’t working as expected, there are a few possible reasons:
Reason 1: The input value cannot be converted into a number
As mentioned earlier, the TO_PURE_NUMBER function requires a text string or a number formatted as text as its input. If the input value cannot be converted into a number, the function will return an error. Check your input data and make sure it can be converted into a number.
Reason 2: The function is applied to a range of cells instead of a single value
Remember that the TO_PURE_NUMBER function is designed to work with a single value, not a range of cells. If you need to apply the function to a range of cells, use the ARRAYFORMULA function in combination with TO_PURE_NUMBER.
TO_PURE_NUMBER: Related Formulae
Here are some related formulae that you might find useful when working with the TO_PURE_NUMBER function in Google Sheets:
1. VALUE: The VALUE function also converts a text string or a number formatted as text into a number. However, it is less versatile than TO_PURE_NUMBER, as it may not handle certain formats, such as currency symbols or percentage signs, as effectively.
=VALUE(“123”)
2. NUMBERVALUE: The NUMBERVALUE function is similar to TO_PURE_NUMBER, but it allows you to specify the decimal and group separators used in the input text string. This can be useful when working with numbers formatted using different regional settings.
=NUMBERVALUE(“1.000,00”, “,”, “.”)
3. SPLIT: The SPLIT function can be used to separate a text string into multiple parts based on a specified delimiter. You can use this function in combination with TO_PURE_NUMBER to extract and convert numbers from a text string containing multiple values.
=SPLIT(“100,200,300”, “,”)
4. REGEXEXTRACT: The REGEXEXTRACT function allows you to extract a specific part of a text string using a regular expression. You can use this function to extract numbers from a text string and then convert them into pure numbers using the TO_PURE_NUMBER function.
=TO_PURE_NUMBER(REGEXEXTRACT(“The price is $100”, “$(d+)”))
5. TEXT: The TEXT function can be used to convert a number into a text string formatted according to a specified pattern. This can be useful when you need to display numbers in a specific format, such as currency or percentage, without actually changing their underlying values.
=TEXT(1000, “$#,##0.00”)
With this comprehensive guide, you should now have a solid understanding of the TO_PURE_NUMBER function in Google Sheets, its syntax, examples, tips and tricks, common mistakes, and related formulae. Happy spreadsheeting!
