How do I convert Text (from a count) to a number?

Elaine Wright

Figured out how to use the COUNTIF to get a count within a column if a box is checked it contains a certain text in a dropdown, by changing the results to text (e.g., ...+""). However, what appear to be numbers are acutally text and I cannot sum them.

 

Any suggestions how to convert?

Thanks

Atus Bartal

I've found this in Smartsheet Help \ Using Formulas where you may find the solution: 

 VALUE(): Converts a text value (that represents a number) to numeric format

Certain formulas will always return a value in text format, even if it looks like a number. For example: =LEFT(Cost5, 3)returns the value 425, which looks like a number but is actually stored in Smartsheet as text. Using text values in a calculation will return an error message about invalid data types. Use the VALUE formula to convert text to numeric format.

• Example: =LEFT(Cost5, 3) * 4
• Result: #INVALID DATA TYPE
• Example: =VALUE(LEFT(Cost5, 3)) * 4
• Result: 1700