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VALUE Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The Excel VALUE function converts text that appears as a number, date, or time into a genuine numeric value. This is particularly useful when importing data or working with text-formatted numbers that need mathematical operations.

Syntax

VALUE(text)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
text	`Text`	Yes	Text enclosed in quotes or cell reference containing numeric text to convert

Using the VALUE Function

VALUE is most valuable when dealing with imported data where numbers appear as text, preventing calculations. Use it to force conversion before math operations, array formulas, or when text numbers cause sorting issues.

Common VALUE Examples

Currency Text to Number

=VALUE("$1,234.56")

Converts currency text to numeric value: 1234.56

Time Difference Calculation

=VALUE("16:48:00")-VALUE("12:00:00")

Calculates time difference: returns 0.2 (4 hours 48 minutes)

Imported Data Fix

=VALUE(A1)*B1

Multiplies text number in A1 by B1 after conversion

European Number Format

=VALUE("1.234,56")

Converts European decimal format to number

Frequently Asked Questions

Use VALUE when Excel treats numbers as text (left-aligned, can't calculate), especially after data imports or CSV files.

VALUE returns #VALUE! error if text doesn't represent a recognized number, date, or time format.

Yes, VALUE removes currency symbols like $, £, € and converts to plain numbers.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! Error

Cause: Text doesn't represent a valid number/date/time

Solution: Check text format and ensure it matches Excel's recognized patterns

Still shows as text after VALUE

Cause: Cell formatted as Text

Solution: Format cell as General before using VALUE or use multiplication trick

Notes

Excel auto-converts simple text numbers, VALUE needed for complex formatting
Common after CSV imports, database exports
Works with thousands separators, decimals, currencies
Date/time text converts to Excel serial numbers

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in:

Content last reviewed: December 11, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+