H1: How to Use the TEXT Function in Excel (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)
Meta Description :
Master the Excel TEXT function with examples, tips, and FAQs. Learn how to format numbers, dates, and times into text for professional spreadsheets.
The TEXT function in Excel is one of the most powerful tools for customizing the way your data looks. Instead of displaying raw numbers or default date formats, the TEXT function allows you to format values exactly how you want. This makes your spreadsheets easier to read, more professional, and suitable for reports, invoices, and dashboards.
In this complete guide, you will learn:
- The syntax and structure of the TEXT function.
- Practical examples for dates, numbers, times, and currencies.
- Advanced tips for combining TEXT with other Excel formulas.
- Real-life use cases for business and freelancers.
- Common mistakes to avoid.
- FAQs that answer the most popular user questions.
- By the end, you will master the TEXT function and use it to transform the way you present data in Excel.
H2: What Is the TEXT Function in Excel?
The TEXT function converts numbers, dates, and times into text with a specific format. While the underlying value does not change, the display formahttps://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/text-function-20d5ac4d-7b94-49fd-bb38-93d29371225ct is fully customizable.
Syntax: =TEXT(value, format_text)
For more details, you can also check the official Microsoft Excel TEXT function documentation, which provides a full overview of syntax and advanced use cases.
value → The number, date, or time you want to format.
format_text → The format code in quotation marks (e.g., « 0.00 », « MM/DD/YYYY »).
H2: Why Should You Use the TEXT Function?
- Consistency: Apply the same format across reports.
- Customization: Show data the way your audience prefers.
- Professionalism: Make invoices and dashboards look clean.
- Flexibility: Combine text and values in a single formula.
H2: Practical Examples of the TEXT Function
H3: Formatting Dates
If cell A1 contains 15/09/2025: =TEXT(A1, »DD-MMM-YYYY ») Result: 15-Sep-2025
Other formats:
=TEXT(A1, »MMMM DD, YYYY ») → September 15, 2025
=TEXT(A1, »MM/DD/YY ») → 09/15/25
H3: Formatting Numbers
If cell B1 contains 1234.567: =TEXT(B1, »0.00″)
Result: 1234.57
Other formats:
=TEXT(B1,"#,##0")→ 1,235=TEXT(B1,"0.0000")→ 1234.5670
H3: Currency Formatting
If cell C1 contains 2500: =TEXT(C1, »$#,##0.00″) Result: $2,500.00
For euros: =TEXT(C1, »€#,##0.00″) Result: €2,500.00
For Tunisian dinar:
=TEXT(C1, »#,##0.000 TND ») Result: 2,500.000 TND
H3: Formatting Time
If cell D1 contains 14:35:
=TEXT(D1,"hh:mm AM/PM")
Result: 02:35 PM
Other formats:
=TEXT(D1,"hh:mm:ss")→ 14:35:00=TEXT(D1,"hh 'hours' mm 'minutes'")→ 14 hours 35 minutes
H2: Advanced Tips with the TEXT Function
H3: Combine TEXT with CONCAT or “&”
="The total is " & TEXT(2500,"$#,##0.00")
Result: The total is $2,500.00
H3: Combine TEXT with TODAY() ="Today’s date is " & TEXT(TODAY(),"DD-MMMM-YYYY")
Result: Today’s date is 15-September-2025
H3: Combine TEXT with ROUND()
=TEXT(ROUND(1234.567,2), »0.00″) Result: 1234.57
H2: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Forgetting quotation marks →
=TEXT(A1,DD/MM/YYYY)(wrong) - ❌ Using the wrong format for the data type.
- ❌ Assuming the value changes → The function only changes the display.
H2: Real-Life Use Cases
H3: Accounting
Accountants use TEXT to display numbers with consistent decimal places and currency symbols.
H3: Freelancers
Freelancers can format invoices with professional dates and currency formats.
H3: Business Owners
Small businesses use TEXT to create dashboards with clear, readable numbers and dates
2: FAQs about the TEXT Function
Q1: Does the TEXT function change the real value?
No. It only changes the way the value looks. The original number remains.
Q2: Can I use TEXT with currencies like USD, EUR, or TND?
Yes, just change the currency symbol in the format code.
Q3: Can I combine TEXT with IF statements?
Yes. Example: =IF(A1>100, »High Sales: « &TEXT(A1, »$#,##0 »), »Low Sales: « &TEXT(A1, »$#,##0 »))
Q4: Why is my TEXT function not working?
Check that the format code is inside quotation marks.
Q5: Can I display percentages with TEXT?
Yes. Example: =TEXT(0.85, »0% »)
Result: 85%
Q6: Does the TEXT function work in all Excel versions?
Yes, it works in most versions including Excel 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365.
Conclusion
The TEXT function in Excel is a powerful formula that allows you to customize your data display without changing the actual values. From formatting dates and times to showing numbers with currencies or percentages, the TEXT function makes your spreadsheets professional and easy to understand.
By combining it with other formulas like IF, CONCAT, and TODAY, you can create dynamic, user-friendly reports. Mastering this function will save time and improve the visibility of your work — whether you are an accountant, freelancer, or business owner
If you want to explore more powerful formulas, check out our detailed guide on the Excel VLOOKUP function. It works perfectly with the TEXT function when analyzing data.