How to Use Excel's TEXT Function

By eHow Computers Editor

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Excel's TEXT function allows users to type in a function that returns a value converted to text. For instance, you can use it to change the way a date is displayed or change a number value to currency. You can also create a sentence that includes the values.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Choose the cell in which you want the new text value displayed. In the function (fx) box, type in the function starting with "=Text." Type in the name of the cell you want to convert into the formula, then the format you want to display in parenthesis.

Step2

Become familiar with the use of the "0" placeholder when using the TEXT function. Using "0" alone will display the number only. Using "$0.00" will display the number as a dollar amount, while "0%" will display it as a percentage.

Step3

Use the TEXT function to round off amounts. If the value in A1 is 567.897, use the formula "=Text (A1, "0")" to return "568," or "=Text(A1, "0.0")" to return 567.9.

Step4

Convert a number to a currency by using the function "=Text(A1, "$##0.00")." This will display the entered 567.897 as "$567.90."

Step5

Display a date in a different format. If the date "1/2/2007" is entered in A1, use "=Text (A1, "mmm dd yyyy")" to display the date as "Jan 12, 2007."

Step6

Create a sentence from formulas. For example, in a file with test scores. Column A may contain the students' names while B contains their scores. A2 is the name "Smith" and B2 is the score "90." In Column C, enter "=A2&" scored a "&TEXT(B2, "0")&" on the test." This will display "Smith scored a 90 on the test."

Step7

Access Excel's help feature if you get stuck. Click "Help" on the menu, click the "Index" tab and type in "TEXT worksheet function" in the keywords box.