5 Ways To Convert Excel Text To Formula

Converting text to formulas in Excel can be a game-changer for anyone who works with data regularly. Not only does it save time, but it also helps to reduce errors and increase efficiency. In this article, we will explore five ways to convert Excel text to formulas, including using the Text to Columns feature, the Value function, the FormulaBar, VBA macros, and third-party add-ins.

Method 1: Using the Text to Columns Feature

The Text to Columns feature is a built-in Excel feature that allows you to convert text to formulas. This feature is particularly useful when working with data that is separated by delimiters such as commas, tabs, or semicolons.

To use the Text to Columns feature, follow these steps:

1. Select the cell or range of cells that contain the text you want to convert to a formula.
2. Go to the Data tab in the Excel ribbon.
3. Click on the Text to Columns button in the Data Tools group.
4. In the Convert Text to Columns Wizard, select the delimiter that separates the text and click Next.
5. Select the format of the text and click Finish.

For example, if you have a cell that contains the text "102", you can use the Text to Columns feature to convert it to a formula. Simply select the cell, go to the Data tab, click on Text to Columns, and select the asterisk () as the delimiter.

Example: Converting Text to Formula using Text to Columns

Suppose you have a range of cells that contain text formulas, and you want to convert them to actual formulas. You can use the Text to Columns feature to achieve this.

Text Formula
10*2
20/4
30+5

To convert these text formulas to actual formulas, select the range of cells, go to the Data tab, click on Text to Columns, and select the asterisk (*) as the delimiter. The result will be:

Formula
=10*2
=20/4
=30+5

Method 2: Using the Value Function

The Value function in Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to convert text to formulas. This function takes a text string as an argument and returns the value of the text as a number.

To use the Value function, follow these steps:

1. Select the cell or range of cells that contain the text you want to convert to a formula.
2. Go to the Formula tab in the Excel ribbon.
3. Click on the Insert Function button in the Functions group.
4. In the Insert Function dialog box, select the Value function and click OK.
5. Enter the text string as an argument and press Enter.

For example, if you have a cell that contains the text "10*2", you can use the Value function to convert it to a formula. Simply select the cell, go to the Formula tab, click on Insert Function, select the Value function, and enter the text string as an argument.

Example: Converting Text to Formula using the Value Function

Suppose you have a range of cells that contain text formulas, and you want to convert them to actual formulas. You can use the Value function to achieve this.

Text Formula
10*2
20/4
30+5

To convert these text formulas to actual formulas, select the range of cells, go to the Formula tab, click on Insert Function, select the Value function, and enter the text string as an argument. The result will be:

Formula
=10*2
=20/4
=30+5

Method 3: Using the FormulaBar

The FormulaBar is a feature in Excel that allows you to edit and create formulas directly in the FormulaBar. You can use the FormulaBar to convert text to formulas by simply typing the text into the FormulaBar and pressing Enter.

To use the FormulaBar, follow these steps:

1. Select the cell or range of cells that contain the text you want to convert to a formula.
2. Go to the Formula tab in the Excel ribbon.
3. Click on the FormulaBar button in the Formula group.
4. Type the text into the FormulaBar and press Enter.

For example, if you have a cell that contains the text "10*2", you can use the FormulaBar to convert it to a formula. Simply select the cell, go to the Formula tab, click on the FormulaBar button, type the text into the FormulaBar, and press Enter.

Example: Converting Text to Formula using the FormulaBar

Suppose you have a range of cells that contain text formulas, and you want to convert them to actual formulas. You can use the FormulaBar to achieve this.

Text Formula
10*2
20/4
30+5

To convert these text formulas to actual formulas, select the range of cells, go to the Formula tab, click on the FormulaBar button, type the text into the FormulaBar, and press Enter. The result will be:

Formula
=10*2
=20/4
=30+5

Method 4: Using VBA Macros

VBA macros are a powerful tool in Excel that can be used to automate repetitive tasks, including converting text to formulas. You can create a VBA macro that converts text to formulas using the following code:

Sub ConvertTextToFormulas()
    Dim rng As Range
    Set rng = Selection
    For Each cell In rng
        cell.Formula = "=" & cell.Value
    Next cell
End Sub

To use this macro, follow these steps:

1. Press Alt + F11 to open the Visual Basic Editor.
2. In the Visual Basic Editor, go to Insert > Module to create a new module.
3. Paste the code into the module and save it.
4. Go back to Excel and select the range of cells that contain the text you want to convert to formulas.
5. Press Alt + F8 to open the Macro dialog box.
6. Select the ConvertTextToFormulas macro and click Run.

For example, if you have a range of cells that contain text formulas, and you want to convert them to actual formulas, you can use this macro to achieve this.

Text Formula
10*2
20/4
30+5

To convert these text formulas to actual formulas, select the range of cells, press Alt + F8, select the ConvertTextToFormulas macro, and click Run. The result will be:

Formula
=10*2
=20/4
=30+5

Method 5: Using Third-Party Add-ins

There are several third-party add-ins available that can be used to convert text to formulas in Excel. These add-ins can be downloaded from the internet and installed in Excel.

One popular add-in is the Text to Formula add-in, which can be downloaded from the Microsoft Office Store. This add-in allows you to convert text to formulas using a simple and intuitive interface.

To use the Text to Formula add-in, follow these steps:

1. Download and install the add-in from the Microsoft Office Store.
2. Select the range of cells that contain the text you want to convert to formulas.
3. Go to the Add-ins tab in the Excel ribbon.
4. Click on the Text to Formula button in the Text to Formula group.
5. Select the text and click Convert to Formula.

For example, if you have a range of cells that contain text formulas, and you want to convert them to actual formulas, you can use the Text to Formula add-in to achieve this.

Text Formula
10*2
20/4
30+5

To convert these text formulas to actual formulas, select the range of cells, go to the Add-ins tab, click on the Text to Formula button, select the text, and click Convert to Formula. The result will be:

Formula
=10*2
=20/4
=30+5

Excel Text to Formula Image Gallery

In conclusion, converting text to formulas in Excel can be achieved using various methods, including the Text to Columns feature, the Value function, the FormulaBar, VBA macros, and third-party add-ins. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the specific needs of the user.