# How to convert numbers with comma decimals to real numbers in Excel

Remove the dot thousands separators, turn the comma into a dot, then convert: =VALUE(SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(A2,".",""),",",".")).

**Excel:** `=VALUE(SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(A2,".",""),",","."))` (Every current version)

**Google Sheets:** the same formula works.

## Example

Sample data (row 1 is the header):

| A | B |
| --- | --- |
| Amount (EU format) | Number |
| 1.250,75 |  |
| 980,50 |  |
| 12.000 |  |
| 3,5 |  |
| 45.310,00 |  |

Formula in B2, filled to B6: `=VALUE(SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(A2,".",""),",","."))`

Result: 1,250.75; 980.5; 12,000; 3.5; 45,310

## How it works

In "1.250,75" the dot separates thousands and the comma marks the decimals, the reverse of US settings. The inner SUBSTITUTE removes the dots ("1250,75"), the outer one turns the comma into a decimal point ("1250.75"), and VALUE reads that as a number. The order matters: swapping the comma first would create a second dot.

## Other ways

- `=--SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(A2,".",""),",",".")`: The double minus converts like VALUE.

## Common mistakes

- NUMBERVALUE does this in one step with the separators as arguments: `=NUMBERVALUE(A2,",",".")`, and it doesn't depend on your computer's settings.
- On a computer set to European formats, VALUE already reads "1.250,75" correctly, and this formula would break it. Check one value first.
- "12.000" could mean twelve or twelve thousand. Make sure the whole column uses the same convention.

## Questions

**How do I convert the other way, to European format text?**

Use TEXT and swap the separators: `=SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(TEXT(A2,"#,##0.00"),",","#"),".",","),"#",".")`.

**Does this work in Google Sheets?**

Yes, in a spreadsheet with US settings. Otherwise change the locale in File > Settings.

Every formula and result on this page was checked by running it in the Spreadsheet Practice formula engine on 2026-10-30.

Source: https://spreadsheetpractice.com/formulas/convert-comma-decimal-numbers