Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Converting Numbers to Strings.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated August 21, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
You already know that you can use variables in your macros, and that there are two very basic types of variables: string variables (containing characters) and numeric variables (containing numeric values). You can quickly and easily convert a number into a string in your macros. This is the done with the Str() function. The way you use this function is as follows:
A = Str(B)
In this syntax, if B is equal to 5, then when completed, A will be " 5"; if B is -4, then A would be "-4". Notice the leading space when converting positive numbers. This may not provide satisfactory results for some subroutines. Instead, you should create a function that returns a stripped-down version of the string. The following function does just that:
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here:
Function ToNum(X as Variant) as String
ToNum = Trim(Str(X))
End Function
The reason that the value passed to the VBA function (X) is defined as a Variant is that you can then pass any type of numeric value.
An alternative approach is to use the following variation of the function:
Function ToNum(X as Variant) as String
ToNum = CStr(X)
End Function
Either approach will work just fine.
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (9749) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Converting Numbers to Strings.
Program Successfully in Excel! This guide will provide you with all the information you need to automate any task in Excel and save time and effort. Learn how to extend Excel's functionality with VBA to create solutions not possible with the standard features. Includes latest information for Excel 2024 and Microsoft 365. Check out Mastering Excel VBA Programming today!
Normally Excel positions a UserForm in the center of your screen. You may want to position the form elsewhere, more ...
Discover MoreDoes your macro need to know how many windows Excel has open? You can determine it by using the Count property of the ...
Discover MoreKnowing if a workbook is already open can be a prerequisite to your macro working correctly. Here's how to check it out.
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2019-08-03 06:00:59
Alex B
Using "Str" in the macro means it will error out if the cell reference you pass it contains a non-numeric value. eg aaa in the cell will result in #VALUE.
It is also unnecessary both the following options work fine without it.
Function ToNum(X As Variant) As String
ToNum = Trim(X)
End Function
And even just relying on defining ToNum as a string is enough to do the job
Function ToNum(X As Variant) As String
ToNum = X
End Function
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments