Excel TEXT Function
TEXT converts a value to text using a display format you choose.
Use it when dates, times, currencies, percentages, or rounded-looking numbers need to be embedded inside labels, messages, IDs, or joined text.
TEXT syntax & arguments
Syntax
=TEXT(value, format_text)
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1
value
RequiredThe number, date, time, or formula result to format as text.
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2
format_text
RequiredThe format code to apply, written in quotes, such as
"mmm d, yyyy","0.0%", or"$#,##0.00".
Example
=TEXT(A2, "mmm d, yyyy")
Display the date value in A2 as text such as Mar 15, 2026.
TEXT caveats
TEXT is excellent for display strings, but converting a value to text changes how later formulas can use the result.
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The result is text
After TEXT formats a value, the result behaves like a text string instead of a number or date in later calculations.
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Format codes must be quoted
The
format_textargument needs quotes, such as"0.0%"or"mmm d, yyyy". -
Formatting is not the same as rounding
TEXT can display fewer decimals, but use ROUND when the numeric result itself should be rounded for further math.
Building labels? Use TEXT inside CONCATENATE when joined dates or numbers need a predictable display format.
Intro TEXT practice problem
Solve the intro problem directly here, or open it on its own page.
Advanced TEXT practice problems
Use TEXT alongside other Excel functions in realistic, less-prescriptive challenges.
