The VALUE function in Google Sheets is an essential tool that converts a text representation of numbers, dates, or times into actual numeric values that can be utilized in calculations. This function is particularly helpful when data imported or entered as text needs to be transformed into usable numerical formats, ensuring seamless operations in spreadsheets.

Syntax

VALUE(string)

string: This parameter represents the text string containing the number, date, or time you want to convert.

Example #1

VALUE("100")

This function converts the string “100” into the numeric value 100. Result: 100

Example #2

VALUE("12-31-2022")

This function transforms the string “12-31-2022” into a date serial number corresponding to December 31, 2022. Result: 44929 (Excel date serial number for December 31, 2022)

Example #3

VALUE("3.14159")

This function converts the string “3.14159” into its numeric representation. Result: 3.14159

Error handling

• VALUE!: This error indicates that the input string cannot be interpreted as a valid number. For example,

  VALUE("abc")

  would return this error.
• ERROR!: This occurs when the input format is not recognized at all, such as an improperly formatted date. For instance,

  VALUE("2022-31-12")

  would lead to this error due to the incorrect date format.

Conclusion

In summary, the VALUE function is a powerful utility in Google Sheets that facilitates the conversion of textual data into numeric formats, enhancing the functionality of spreadsheet calculations. By converting strings representing numbers, dates, or times into their corresponding numeric values, users can efficiently manipulate and analyze data. Understanding how to use this function effectively can optimize data entry and ensure accurate calculations across various applications.