VALUE
Converts a text string that looks like a number into an actual number.
VALUE(text)Arguments
textThe text to convert to a number
=VALUE("123")Converts text '123' to number 123
=VALUE("$1,234.56")Strips formatting and returns number
=VALUE(A1)*2Converts then calculates
- •Useful when data is imported as text instead of numbers
- •Returns #VALUE! if text cannot be converted
- •Dates in text form are converted to serial numbers
- •Using VALUE on text that isn't actually formatted as a recognizable number, currency, date, or time - it returns a #VALUE! error rather than attempting a partial conversion
- •Applying VALUE to a cell that already contains a real number, which is unnecessary since VALUE only exists to convert text, not to reprocess numbers that are already numeric
- •Not realizing regional settings affect what VALUE can parse - a decimal comma vs. a decimal point, or a different thousands separator, can make otherwise valid-looking numeric text fail to convert
NUMBERVALUEOffers explicit control over the decimal and group separators, which VALUE infers from regional settings automatically.TEXTDoes the reverse - converts a number into formatted text, rather than parsing text back into a number.DATEVALUEHandles date-specific text-to-number conversion, a specialized version of what VALUE does more generally.Why does VALUE return #VALUE! on text that looks like a number?
The text likely contains a character Excel doesn't expect - a stray space, a currency symbol in an unsupported position, or a separator that doesn't match your regional settings - even though it looks numeric to the eye.
Is VALUE still necessary in modern Excel?
Less than it used to be - Excel now auto-converts numeric-looking text in most formulas, but VALUE is still useful when you need an explicit, predictable conversion inside a larger formula.
Can VALUE convert a date string into a date?
Yes, VALUE handles dates and times as well as plain numbers, though DATEVALUE and TIMEVALUE are more explicit choices when you know you're working with a date or time specifically.
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