How to Change Data Type in Excel – Let’s Explore

If you’ve ever struggled with numbers that won’t calculate, dates that won’t sort, or percentages that display incorrectly, you’re not alone. Understanding how to change data type in Excel is essential for ensuring your data functions correctly.

Excel stores data in different formats, such as text, numbers, dates, and currency. However, sometimes data is imported or entered in the wrong format, causing errors in calculations and analysis. In this guide, we’ll walk through various methods to change data types in Excel efficiently.

Why Do You Need to Change Data Type in Excel?

Incorrect data types can cause:

• Calculation errors – Text-stored numbers won’t add or multiply.
• Sorting and filtering issues – Dates stored as text won’t sort properly.
• Misinterpreted values – Decimals and percentages may appear incorrectly.
• Data import problems – Imported data might not match expected formats.

By learning how to change data type in Excel, you can ensure accuracy and seamless data manipulation.

How to Change Data Type in Excel (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Change Data Type Using Format Cells

The most common way to modify data types in Excel is through the Format Cells option.

Steps:

1. Select the cells you want to modify.
2. Open Format Cells – Press Ctrl + 1 or right-click and choose Format Cells.
3. Choose a category under the Number tab:
   • General – Default format for all data types.
   • Number – For numerical values.
   • Date – Formats values as dates.
   • Currency – For financial data.
   • Percentage – Displays values as percentages.
4. Click OK to apply the changes.

Note: This method adjusts only the format but doesn’t always convert the underlying data type.

2. Convert Text to Numbers in Excel

If numbers are stored as text, Excel won’t perform calculations correctly.

Method 1: Using Convert to Number

1. Select the cells containing numbers stored as text.
2. Look for a yellow warning triangle in the top-left corner.
3. Click the warning icon and choose Convert to Number.

Method 2: Using the VALUE Function

If there’s no warning icon, use the following formula:

=VALUE(A1)

This function converts text-based numbers into real numerical values.

3. Convert Text to Date Format

If dates appear as text (e.g., “2024-03-07”), Excel won’t recognize them as valid dates.

Method 1: Using Text to Columns

1. Select the column with text-based dates.
2. Go to Data > Text to Columns.
3. Select Delimited and click Next twice.
4. Under Column Data Format, choose Date (select the appropriate format).
5. Click Finish to convert the text dates into proper date format.

Method 2: Using the DATEVALUE Function

=DATEVALUE(A1)

This function transforms text-formatted dates into proper Excel date values.

4. Change Data Type Using Power Query

For large datasets, Power Query offers an efficient way to transform data.

Steps:

1. Select your data and go to Data > Get & Transform > From Table/Range.
2. In the Power Query Editor, select the column you need to modify.
3. Click the Data Type Dropdown and choose the appropriate type (Number, Text, Date, etc.).
4. Click Close & Load to apply changes to your worksheet.

Power Query is especially useful when dealing with imported data that requires mass conversion.

5. Using Excel Formulas for Data Type Conversion

When direct formatting doesn’t work, formulas can help.

Convert Numbers to Text:

=TEXT(A1,”0″)

This keeps the number’s value but stores it as text.

Convert Text to Numbers:

=VALUE(A1)

Transforms text-based numbers into actual numbers.

Convert Text Dates to Excel Dates:

=DATEVALUE(A1)

Fixes dates stored in text format.

Key Considerations When Changing Data Type in Excel

• Check for Hidden Spaces – Use TRIM(A1) to remove extra spaces.
• Find & Replace Unwanted Characters – Remove symbols ($, ,, %) before conversion.
• Verify Regional Settings – Date formats may differ depending on your system settings.
• Backup Your Data – Always save a copy before making major changes.

Final Thoughts

Mastering how to change data type in Excel is crucial for data accuracy and proper analysis. Whether you use Format Cells, Text to Columns, Power Query, or Excel formulas, knowing the right technique ensures your data is usable and error-free.

With these step-by-step methods, you can efficiently manage different data types and avoid Excel-related frustrations. Try them out, and let us know if you need further assistance!