# How to remove currency symbols and convert text to numbers in Excel

Strip the symbols with SUBSTITUTE, then convert with VALUE: =VALUE(SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(A2,"USD",""),"$","")).

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

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

## Example

Sample data (row 1 is the header):

| A | B |
| --- | --- |
| Amount (text) | Number |
| USD 1,250.00 |  |
| $980.50 |  |
| 2,310 USD |  |
| $ 45.99 |  |
| USD12,000 |  |

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

Result: $1,250.00; $980.50; $2,310.00; $45.99; $12,000.00

## How it works

VALUE can read "$980.50" on its own, but not a currency code like "USD". The two SUBSTITUTE calls delete both, and VALUE converts what's left, ignoring the spaces and thousands commas. Format the result as currency to get the symbol back on screen.

## Other ways

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

## Common mistakes

- Other symbols need their own SUBSTITUTE: € and £ aren't removed by this formula.
- Amounts written the European way (1.250,00) need the separators swapped before VALUE can read them.

## Questions

**How do I keep the currency code in another column?**

Take the letters: `=IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH("USD",A2)),"USD","")`, or TEXTBEFORE for codes at the start.

**Why does SUM return 0 on the original column?**

The amounts are text. SUM skips text, so convert them first.

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/remove-currency-symbols-and-convert-to-numbers