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.
Solve Real Business Problems Master business modeling and analysis techniques with Excel and transform data into bottom-line results. This hands-on, scenario-focused guide shows you how to use the latest Excel tools to integrate data from multiple tables. Check out Microsoft Excel 2013 Data Analysis and Business Modeling today!
Knowing if a workbook is already open can be a prerequisite to your macro working correctly. Here's how to check it out.
Discover MoreNeed a quick way to change the default drive and directory in a macro you are writing? Here's the commands to do it and a ...
Discover MoreIf you need to insert the current time, with seconds, then you'll need the macro discussed in this tip. It's easy to use ...
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