How to Extract Number Only from Excel Cells
In today’s digital age, Excel has become an essential tool for data management and analysis. However, when dealing with large datasets, extracting specific information can be challenging. One common task is to extract numbers only from Excel cells, discarding any text or special characters. This article will guide you through various methods to achieve this goal efficiently.
Method 1: Using Excel’s Text Functions
Excel offers a range of text functions that can help you extract numbers from cells. The most commonly used functions are LEFT, RIGHT, and MID. Here’s how you can use them:
1. LEFT: This function extracts a specified number of characters from the left side of a text string. To extract numbers from the left side of a cell, use the formula: =LEFT(A1, LEN(A1)-LEN(SUBSTITUTE(A1,” “,””))).
2. RIGHT: Similar to LEFT, the RIGHT function extracts characters from the right side of a text string. Use the formula: =RIGHT(A1, LEN(A1)-LEN(SUBSTITUTE(A1,” “,””))).
3. MID: This function extracts a specified number of characters from a text string, starting at a specified position. Use the formula: =MID(A1, (FIND(” “, A1)+1), LEN(A1)-FIND(” “, A1)).
These formulas assume that the numbers are at the beginning of the cell, followed by text or special characters. Adjust the formulas accordingly if the numbers are located elsewhere in the cell.
Method 2: Using Excel’s Power Query
Power Query is an Excel add-in that allows you to transform and combine data from various sources. To extract numbers using Power Query, follow these steps:
1. Open your Excel workbook and go to the “Data” tab.
2. Click on “Get & Transform Data” and select “From Table/Range.”
3. Choose your data range and click “OK.”
4. In the Power Query Editor, click on the column containing the text with numbers.
5. Select “Transform” from the ribbon, then click “Remove Duplicates.”
6. In the “Remove Duplicates” dialog box, check the “Use this column to determine duplicates” box and select the column containing the text with numbers.
7. Click “OK” to remove duplicates, which will leave only the numbers in the column.
8. Close the Power Query Editor and load the data back into Excel.
Method 3: Using Excel’s Advanced Filter
Another way to extract numbers from Excel cells is by using the Advanced Filter feature. Here’s how to do it:
1. Select the range of cells containing the text with numbers.
2. Go to the “Data” tab and click on “Advanced.”
3. In the “Advanced Filter” dialog box, select “Copy to another location.”
4. Choose the criteria range that defines the numbers you want to extract. This can be a single cell or a range of cells.
5. Click “OK” to copy the numbers to a new location in your workbook.
These methods provide you with various options to extract numbers only from Excel cells. Depending on your specific needs and the complexity of your data, choose the method that best suits your requirements. Happy extracting!
