How to Convert Number to Text in Google Sheets (3 Suitable Ways)

Converting numbers to text in Google Sheets means turning numeric values into plain text. Once converted, the text can no longer be used for calculations or automatic formatting. This is useful when you want to display numbers in a specific way or include them as part of labels or descriptions.

In this guide, you’ll learn three simple methods to convert numbers to text in Google Sheets. Each method is easy to use and serves a specific purpose depending on what you need to do with your data.

In the following dataset, there are two columns labeled Number and Text. Column A filled with random numeric values, and Column B currently contains empty cells where the converted results will appear. We’ll use this dataset to apply and practice the methods for converting numbers to text in Google Sheets.

The TO_TEXT function is the easiest way to convert numbers into text in Google Sheets. It takes a number and turns it into plain text without changing how it looks.

Here’s how to apply this formula:

➤ Open your spreadsheet in Google Sheets where you want to convert numbers to text.
➤ Select a blank cell where you want the result to appear. For example, click on cell B2 to display the result of cell A2.

➤ Type the formula

➤ Press Enter. You’ll see the number now appears as text in cell B2.

➤ Now, to convert the numbers in the rest of the rows, drag the small square at the bottom-right corner of the cell B2 down through the column.

➤ This will apply the same formula to the other rows automatically.

The TEXT function is one of the simplest ways to convert numbers into text. However, this method also lets you control how the number looks. You can use it to add decimal places, currency symbols, dates, and other custom formats. This method is useful when you want both conversion and styling in one step.

Here’s how you can apply this method:

➤ Open your spreadsheet in Google Sheets and select the cell where you want to display the result.
➤ Click on cell B2.

➤ Type the formula =TEXT( and select the cell with the number you want to convert.

➤ After the cell reference, add a comma and enter your desired format inside double quotes.
➤ For example, =TEXT(A2, “00.00”) will show the number with two decimal places.

➤ Press Enter. The number will now appear as text with the format you specified.

➤ Now, to convert numbers of the rest of the rows, drag the fill handle down through the column.

➤ This will apply the same formula to the other rows automatically.

Apart from the two methods described before, there is also another functionality that you can apply to convert a numeric value to the words. Like, 123 will be shown as “One Hundred Twenty-Three”. So it’s not about cell formatting.

Google Sheets doesn’t have a built-in function to convert numbers to words like “One Hundred Twenty-Three.” However, you can create your own custom function using Google Apps Script. This method is useful when you want to display numbers as full text, especially for things like invoices or check amounts.

Here’s how can you apply this method:

➤ Open your dataset in Google Sheets where you want to convert Number to Text.
➤ Go to the top Menu tab and click on Extensions >> Apps Script.

➤ A new tab will open with a code editor. Delete any code that’s already in the editor.

➤ Copy and paste the script below into the editor:

function convertNumbersToText() {
  const sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();
  const range = sheet.getRange("A2:A12"); // Adjust if your data range changes
  const values = range.getValues();
  for (let i = 0; i < values.length; i++) {
    const num = parseInt(values[i][0].toString().replace(/,/g, ""));
    if (!isNaN(num)) {
      sheet.getRange(i + 2, 2).setValue(numberToWords(num));
    } else {
      sheet.getRange(i + 2, 2).setValue("Invalid number");
    }
  }
}
function numberToWords(num) {
  const a = [
    "", "One", "Two", "Three", "Four", "Five", "Six", "Seven", "Eight", "Nine", "Ten",
    "Eleven", "Twelve", "Thirteen", "Fourteen", "Fifteen", "Sixteen",
    "Seventeen", "Eighteen", "Nineteen"
  ];
  const b = ["", "", "Twenty", "Thirty", "Forty", "Fifty", "Sixty", "Seventy", "Eighty", "Ninety"];
  const convert = (n) => {
    if (n < 20) return a[n];
    if (n < 100) return b[Math.floor(n / 10)] + (n % 10 ? " " + a[n % 10] : "");
    if (n < 1000) return a[Math.floor(n / 100)] + " Hundred" + (n % 100 ? " " + convert(n % 100) : "");
    if (n < 1000000) return convert(Math.floor(n / 1000)) + " Thousand" + (n % 1000 ? " " + convert(n % 1000) : "");
    return convert(Math.floor(n / 1000000)) + " Million" + (n % 1000000 ? " " + convert(n % 1000000) : "");
  };
  return num === 0 ? "Zero" : convert(num);
}

➤ After pasting the code, click the Disk icon to save the script so the Run button will activate.

➤ Click on the Run button to execute the script.

➤ Now, you’ll see the Execution has started. If it’s your first time running the script, you may be asked to grant permission.
➤ Click Continue to proceed and it takes a few seconds to complete the Execution.

➤ Now, go back to your spreadsheet, and you’ll see the numbers in Column A converted to text in Column B.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to convert a number into text in Google Sheets?

Here’s how to convert a number to text using the TO_TEXT function:

➤ Click on a blank cell in your Google Sheets, where you want the result.
➤ Type the formula =TO_TEXT(value).
➤ Press Enter, and the number will appear as text in the selected cell.

How to convert numbers into words in a spreadsheet?

The only method lets you convert numbers into words in Google Sheets is using Google Apps Script. Here is how can apply this method:

➤ Open your dataset in Google Sheets and go to the top Menu.
➤ Click on Extension >> Apps Script.
➤ Next, write the code in the editor, then click on the Disk icon to save it.
➤ Click on Run button, and you’ll see the numbers are converted into words.

Wrapping Up

These simple methods help you convert numbers to text in Google Sheets. The TO_TEXT function works great when you want the numbers as plain text. If you need formatting like currency, percentages, or custom styles, the TEXT function is perfect for that. And when you want to turn numbers into full words, a custom Apps Script can handle it easily.

Each method serves a different purpose, and choosing the right one depends on how you want your data to appear. By understanding these functions, you can make your spreadsheets more organized and better suited to your needs.