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When joining text and a number, use the TEXT function in Excel to format that number. This page contains many easy to follow TEXT function examples.

1a. For example, without using the TEXT function this would be the result.

Without Text Function

1b. With the TEXT function.

Text Function in Excel

Note: #,## is used to add comma’s to large numbers. Always enclose the format code (second argument) in double quotation marks.

2. Here’s another example. Apply a percentage format.

Percentage Format

Note: use 0 to display the nearest integer value. Use 0.0 for one decimal place. Use 0.00 for two decimal places, etc.

3. And another example. Format a date.

Date Format

Note: use less/more m’s, d’s and y’s to change the appearance of the date.

4. For example, use the TEXT function to only display the day of the week. This time we simply use the TEXT function without adding text.

Day of the Week

5. Use the TEXT function to display a number in scientific notation.

Scientific Notation

6. Use the TEXT function to display a fraction and add the TRIM function to remove the leading space.

Fraction

Simply use the ‘Format Cells‘ dialog box to find the right format code.

7a. For example, enter a time into cell A1 and select cell A1.

Select Cell

7b. Right click, and then click Format Cells (or press CTRL + 1).

7c. Select the Custom category and click a format code. Next, click in the Type box, select the format code and press CTRL + c to copy this code.

Copy Format Code

Note: Excel gives you a life preview of how the time will be formatted (under Sample).

7d. Click Cancel.

7e. Paste (CTRL + v) the format code into your TEXT function. Don’t forget to enclose the format code in double quotation marks.

Time Format