Excel VALUETOTEXT Function: The Complete Guide to Converting Values to Text

Published: January 21, 2025 - 3 min read

Vijay Srinivas

The VALUETOTEXT function in Excel provides a reliable way to convert numbers, dates, and other values into text format while preserving their original formatting. This function solves common data conversion challenges that arise when preparing reports, building dashboards, or exporting data to other systems. Let’s explore how to use VALUETOTEXT effectively in your spreadsheets.

How to Convert Values to Text Using VALUETOTEXT in Excel

The VALUETOTEXT function requires a methodical approach to ensure accurate conversions. Here’s how to implement it:

Basic Setup and Syntax

  1. Open Your Spreadsheet
    • Launch Excel and open your workbook
    • Select the cell where you want the text output
    • Type an equals sign (=) to begin the formula
  2. Enter the Formula
    • Type: =VALUETOTEXT(
    • Select your input cell or value
    • Close the parenthesis
    • Press Enter

Example syntax:

Formula

Input Value

Result

=VALUETOTEXT(A1)

1234.56

“1234.56”

=VALUETOTEXT(B1)

1/1/2024

“1/1/2024”

Converting Numbers to Text

VALUETOTEXT maintains the original formatting when converting numbers:

  1. Basic Numbers
    • Enter: =VALUETOTEXT(123.45)
    • Result preserves decimal places exactly as displayed

  1. Currency Values
    • Format source cell as currency
    • Apply VALUETOTEXT to maintain currency symbols and formatting

Example table:

Original Value

Formula

Result

$1,234.56

=VALUETOTEXT(A1)

“$1,234.56”

1234.5678

=VALUETOTEXT(A2)

“1234.5678”

Formatting Dates as Text

VALUETOTEXT excels at handling date conversions:

  1. Standard Dates
    • Select your date cell
    • Apply VALUETOTEXT directly
    • Original date format remains intact
  2. Custom Date Formats
    • Format source date cell as desired
    • VALUETOTEXT preserves the custom format

Example date conversions:

Date Format

Formula

Output

1/15/2024

=VALUETOTEXT(A1)

“1/15/2024”

January 15, 2024

=VALUETOTEXT(A2)

“January 15, 2024”

Note: To Ensure the “VALUETOTEXT” syntax return the same format as the input data, you should wrap the formula in a “TEXT” function to keep formatting

Working with Multiple Data Types

VALUETOTEXT handles various data types seamlessly:

  1. Mixed Value Arrays
    • Use VALUETOTEXT with array formulas
    • Combine with other functions like CONCATENATE
  2. Error Handling
    • Empty cells return “”
    • Error values convert to their text equivalents

Example mixed data:

Input

Formula

Result

#N/A

=VALUETOTEXT(A1)

Coefficient Excel Google Sheets Connectors
Try the Free Spreadsheet Extension Over 500,000 Pros Are Raving About

Stop exporting data manually. Sync data from your business systems into Google Sheets or Excel with Coefficient and set it on a refresh schedule.

Get Started

“#N/A”

“”

=VALUETOTEXT(A2)

“”

Real-World Applications

VALUETOTEXT proves valuable in several business scenarios:

Report Generation

  1. Invoice Descriptions
    • Combine product codes with prices
    • Maintain consistent formatting
  2. Price List Creation
    • Convert currency values to text
    • Preserve regional formatting

Example application:

Item

Price

Formula

Result

Widget

$99.99

=VALUETOTEXT(B1)

“$99.99”

VALUETOTEXT vs Alternative Methods

Compare VALUETOTEXT with other conversion options:

Feature

VALUETOTEXT

TEXT Function

Format Preservation

Automatic

Requires format code

Regional Settings

Maintains

May need adjustment

Error Handling

Built-in

Limited

Conclusion

VALUETOTEXT offers a robust solution for converting values to text while maintaining formatting integrity. Its versatility makes it invaluable for data preparation and reporting tasks.

Ready to streamline your Excel data workflows? Get started with Coefficient to enhance your spreadsheet capabilities and automate your data processes.

Sync Live Data into Your Spreadsheet

Connect Google Sheets or Excel to your business systems, import your data, and set it on a refresh schedule.

Try the Spreadsheet Automation Tool Over 500,000 Professionals are Raving About

Tired of spending endless hours manually pushing and pulling data into Google Sheets? Say goodbye to repetitive tasks and hello to efficiency with Coefficient, the leading spreadsheet automation tool trusted by over 350,000 professionals worldwide.

Sync data from your CRM, database, ads platforms, and more into Google Sheets in just a few clicks. Set it on a refresh schedule. And, use AI to write formulas and SQL, or build charts and pivots.

Vijay Srinivas GTM @ Coefficient
Vijay Srinivas is an engineer turned marketer who loves to dabble in data and has 6 years of experience in GTM for Startups and SaaS orgs. Building his skills currently to be a PLG & spreadsheet expert.
500,000+ happy users
Wait, there's more!
Connect any system to Google Sheets in just seconds.
Get Started Free

Trusted By Over 50,000 Companies