4 Ways To Remove Phone Number Formatting In Excel

The never-ending battle with phone number formatting in Excel! It's a common issue many of us face, but don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll explore four ways to remove phone number formatting in Excel, making it easier to work with your data.

Working with phone numbers in Excel can be a real challenge. When you enter a phone number, Excel automatically formats it, which can lead to problems when trying to perform calculations or manipulate the data. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove phone number formatting in Excel, and we'll walk you through each method step-by-step.

Method 1: Formatting Cells as Text

One of the simplest ways to remove phone number formatting in Excel is to format the cells as text. This method is especially useful when you're working with a new spreadsheet and want to ensure that your phone numbers are not formatted.

To format cells as text, follow these steps:

1. Select the cells containing the phone numbers.
2. Right-click on the selected cells and choose "Format Cells" from the context menu.
3. In the Format Cells dialog box, click on the "Number" tab.
4. Select "Text" from the category list.
5. Click "OK" to apply the changes.

By formatting the cells as text, you'll prevent Excel from automatically formatting the phone numbers.

Method 2: Using the TEXT Function

Another way to remove phone number formatting in Excel is to use the TEXT function. This function converts a value to a text string, allowing you to remove any formatting.

To use the TEXT function, follow these steps:

1. Enter the phone number in a cell.
2. In another cell, enter the formula: =TEXT(A1,"@")
3. Replace "A1" with the cell containing the phone number.
4. Press Enter to apply the formula.

The TEXT function will convert the phone number to a text string, removing any formatting.

Method 3: Using the FIXED Function

The FIXED function is another useful tool for removing phone number formatting in Excel. This function converts a number to a text string, allowing you to specify the number of decimal places.

To use the FIXED function, follow these steps:

1. Enter the phone number in a cell.
2. In another cell, enter the formula: =FIXED(A1,0)
3. Replace "A1" with the cell containing the phone number.
4. Press Enter to apply the formula.

The FIXED function will convert the phone number to a text string, removing any formatting.

Method 4: Using Power Query

Power Query is a powerful tool in Excel that allows you to manipulate and transform data. You can use Power Query to remove phone number formatting in Excel.

To use Power Query, follow these steps:

1. Go to the "Data" tab in the ribbon.
2. Click on "From Table/Range" in the "Get & Transform Data" group.
3. Select the table or range containing the phone numbers.
4. In the Power Query Editor, click on the "Transform" tab.
5. Click on "Text" and then select "Remove Formatting" from the drop-down menu.
6. Click "OK" to apply the changes.

Power Query will remove the phone number formatting, allowing you to work with the data more easily.

Phone Number Formatting Gallery

In conclusion, removing phone number formatting in Excel can be a challenge, but there are several methods to achieve this. Whether you're using formatting cells as text, the TEXT function, the FIXED function, or Power Query, you'll be able to work with your data more easily.

Take a moment to try out these methods and see which one works best for you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to comment below. Share this article with your friends and colleagues who may be struggling with phone number formatting in Excel.