How to Remove Percentage in Excel: Simple Steps to Clean Your Data

How to Remove Percentage in Excel

Removing percentages in Excel can be simple, and you don’t need advanced skills to do it. Just follow these quick steps: select the cells with percentages, then use the "Format Cells" option to change the format from percentage to general or number. Finally, clean up any unwanted symbols or decimal points. That’s it! Now, let’s dive deeper into the specifics.

How to Remove Percentage in Excel

This section will guide you through the steps required to remove percentages in Excel. By the end of it, you’ll be able to convert percentage values to regular numbers without any hassle.

Step 1: Select the Cells with Percentages

First, select the cells containing the percentage values you want to change.

Click and drag your mouse to highlight the cells, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Click to select multiple cells. Make sure to only select the cells that contain the percentage values.

Step 2: Right-Click and Select "Format Cells"

Next, right-click on any of the selected cells and choose "Format Cells" from the context menu.

This will open a dialog box where you can change the cell formatting. This step is crucial because it allows you to switch from percentage formatting to another format.

Step 3: Choose the "Number" Tab

In the Format Cells dialog box, click on the "Number" tab to view different formatting options.

Switching to the Number tab will show you various ways to display your values. You’ll see options like General, Number, and more.

Step 4: Select "General" or "Number"

Now, select either "General" or "Number" from the list of options, then click "OK."

Choosing "General" will display the values as they are, while choosing "Number" will allow you to specify the number of decimal places. This step will remove the percentage sign.

Step 5: Clean Up Decimal Points

If you selected "Number," you may need to clean up the decimal points. You can do this by adjusting the number of decimal places in the "Number" tab.

This step is to ensure your values look neat and are easier to read. Adjust as needed to suit your data presentation preferences.

After following these steps, the percentage signs will be removed, and your values will be displayed as regular numbers. Your data should now be easier to work with, especially if you are performing further calculations.

Tips for Removing Percentage in Excel

• Use the "General" format to remove all special formatting from your cells.
• If you need to keep decimal points for accuracy, choose the "Number" format and set decimal places accordingly.
• Try using keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + 1 to quickly open the Format Cells dialog box.
• Remember to double-check your data after formatting to ensure everything looks correct.
• Use the "Replace" function (Ctrl + H) to find and remove any leftover percentage signs if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert percentage to a number without changing the value?

Select the cells, open "Format Cells," and choose "General" or "Number." The value will stay the same, but the percentage sign will be removed.

Can I use a formula to remove the percentage sign?

Yes, you can use a formula like =A1/100 if your percentage is in cell A1. This will convert the percentage to a decimal number.

What if my percentage values change after reformatting?

This could be due to rounding. Double-check your formatting settings, especially the number of decimal places.

Is there a shortcut for opening the "Format Cells" dialog box?

Yes, you can use Ctrl + 1 to quickly open the "Format Cells" dialog box.

Can I remove percentage formatting for an entire column?

Yes, you can select the entire column by clicking on the column header, then follow the same steps to change the format.

Summary

1. Select the cells with percentages.
2. Right-click and select "Format Cells."
3. Choose the "Number" tab.
4. Select "General" or "Number."
5. Clean up decimal points if needed.

Conclusion

Removing percentages in Excel is a straightforward task that can make your data more manageable. Whether you are preparing a report, analyzing data, or just tidying up a spreadsheet, knowing how to effectively remove and format percentages can save you time and effort.

If you found this article helpful, consider exploring other Excel tips and tricks to further enhance your skills. Don’t hesitate to practice these steps to become more comfortable with Excel’s formatting options. Happy number crunching!