Extracting Numbers from a String in Excel is a handy skill to have, especially when you need to clean up data or analyze information quickly. Here’s a simple guide: we’ll use Excel functions to pull out numbers from any given text string. It’s easier than you think!
Step by Step Tutorial to Extract Numbers from a String in Excel
This tutorial will walk you through the steps to extract numbers from a string in Excel using a combination of Excel functions.
Step 1: Open your Excel workbook.
Open the file where you have the data stored that you need to work with.
Excel should be running, and your workbook open before you begin. If you don’t have a file yet, create a new one and add some text strings mixed with numbers.
Step 2: Select the cell where you want the extracted numbers to appear.
Click on the cell where you want the result to show.
This is where we’ll apply our formula. Make sure this cell is empty and has enough space around it for any potential error messages.
Step 3: Enter the formula =TEXTJOIN("", TRUE, IF(ISNUMBER(MID(A1, ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&LEN(A1))), 1)+0), MID(A1, ROW(INDIRECT("1:"&LEN(A1))), 1),""))
Type this formula into the selected cell.
This formula looks complicated, but it’s doing the heavy lifting by checking each character in the string to see if it’s a number and then joining those numbers together.
Step 4: Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
Pressing these keys will execute the array formula.
Array formulas need a special combination of keys to run properly in Excel. This will make sure your formula works as intended.
Step 5: Copy the formula down to other cells if needed.
If you have multiple rows of data, drag the fill handle to copy the formula to other cells.
This step saves you time if you need to extract numbers from multiple strings in your Excel sheet.
After you’ve completed these steps, the numbers from your text strings will be extracted and displayed in the cells where you entered the formula. Simple as that!
Tips to Extract Numbers from a String in Excel
- Use the Excel MID function to pull out specific characters from a text string.
- Combine the MID function with ISNUMBER to check if a character is a number.
- The TEXTJOIN function helps in concatenating the numbers into one string.
- Always press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to execute array formulas in Excel.
- Save your work frequently to avoid losing data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this method in Google Sheets?
Yes, but the formula may need slight adjustments to work in Google Sheets.
What if my string has multiple sets of numbers?
This method will extract all numbers and combine them into one continuous string.
Can macros be used for this task?
Yes, you can write a VBA macro to extract numbers, but this method doesn’t require any coding.
Is there a way to keep the extracted numbers as separate digits?
You would need to adjust the formula or use additional functions to separate the digits.
Does this formula work for negative numbers?
No, this formula only works for positive digits. You would need a more complex formula for negative numbers.
Summary
- Open your Excel workbook.
- Select the cell for the result.
- Enter the specified formula.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
- Copy the formula to other cells if needed.
Conclusion
Extracting numbers from a string in Excel might seem challenging at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward. Using Excel functions like MID, ISNUMBER, and TEXTJOIN, you can easily pull out and manipulate numbers from any text string.
This guide should make you feel more confident about handling such a task. Whether you’re working on cleaning data, preparing reports, or simply curious, extracting numbers from strings can streamline your work and make your data more manageable.
Practice makes perfect, so try applying these steps to different scenarios to see how versatile these functions can be. Excel is a powerful tool, and mastering these simple tricks can save you loads of time and effort. Happy spreadsheeting!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.