How to Convert Percentage to Number in Excel (5 Easy Ways)

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In this article, we will learn to convert a percentage to a number in Excel. Sometimes, we need to change the percentage formatting in number formatting for our desired output. In an Excel worksheet, we can easily show a percentage in a number format. Here, we will demonstrate five easy and quick ways to convert a percentage to a number in Excel.


What is Percentage?

In simple language, a percentage is a number or a ratio expressed as a fraction of 100. It is denoted by the percent (%) sign. Suppose, there are 300 students in a class, and 150 of them are male. If we divide the male students by the total number of students and multiply it by 100, then we will get 50%. It means there are 50% (fifty percent) male students or the percentage of male students is 50.


How to Convert Percentage to Number in Excel: 5 Methods

 

1. Convert Percentage to Number from the Home Tab

In excel, we can convert any percentage to a number using the Home tab. To explain this method, we will use a dataset that contains the information of sales amount of two months of some sellers. The amount of increase concerning the second month is calculated in Column E and shown in percentage. We will try to convert these percentages to numbers here.

Convert Percentage to Number from the Home tab

Let’s follow the steps to learn more.

STEPS:

  • In the first place, select the cell you want to convert to a number. We have selected Cell E6 here.

Convert Percentage to Number from the Home tab

  • Secondly, go to the Home tab and select the ‘Percentage’. A drop-down menu will occur.

Convert Percentage to Number from the Home tab

  • Thirdly, select Number from there.

Convert Percentage to Number from the Home tab

  • After that, the selected percentage will be converted into a number like below.

Convert Percentage to Number from the Home tab

  • Finally, use the Fill Handle to convert the other percentages.

Convert Percentage to Number from the Home tab

  • To show the decimal numbers, like the percentage values, just multiply the cell formula or the cell by 100.
=(D6-C6)/D6*100

Convert Percentage to Number from the Home tab

Here, we used this formula to calculate the ratio of the increase. And then we multiplied it by 100.

  • Hit Enter to see the result.

Convert Percentage to Number from the Home tab

  • Again, use the Fill Handle to see results in all cells.

Convert Percentage to Number from the Home tab


2. Use Format Cells Window to Change Percentage to Number

We can also use the ‘Format Cells’ window to change a percentage to a number in Excel. We will use the same dataset here. Let’s observe the steps below to learn this method.

STEPS:

  • In the beginning, select the cells you want to convert to numbers. We have selected Cell E6 to Cell E11.

Use Format Cells Window to Change Percentage to Number

  • Now, go to the Home tab and select the Number dialog icon, like below. The ‘Format Cells’ window will appear.

Use Format Cells Window to Change Percentage to Number

  • Similarly, you can also right-click the mouse and then select Format Cells to open the window.

Use Format Cells Window to Change Percentage to Number

  • Then, select ‘Number’ and change ‘Decimal places’ to 2.

Use Format Cells Window to Change Percentage to Number

  • Finally, click OK to see results like below.

Use Format Cells Window to Change Percentage to Number


3. Convert Percentage to Number with Excel Custom Formatting

Custom formatting is another way to convert percentages to numbers. It is also quick and gives various opportunities to display the results. For this method, we will again use the same dataset.

Follow the steps below to learn this technique.

STEPS:

  • Firstly, select the range of cells you want to convert to numbers. We have selected Cell E5 to Cell E11 here.

Convert Percentage to Number with Excel Custom Formatting

  • Now, open the ‘Format Cells’ window using the ‘Number’ dialog icon like Method-1.
  • After that, select ‘Number’ and then, select ‘Custom’.
  • Then, write 00 in the Type field.

Convert Percentage to Number with Excel Custom Formatting

  • Finally, click OK to see results like below.

Convert Percentage to Number with Excel Custom Formatting

  • Moreover, you can also show the output to four decimal points. To do that, write 0.0000 in place of 0.00.

Convert Percentage to Number with Excel Custom Formatting

  • Click OK to see results like below.

Convert Percentage to Number with Excel Custom Formatting


4. Apply Formula to Convert Percentage to Number in Excel

Applying formulas in cells makes our task very easy in Excel. We can apply a formula to convert the percentages to numbers. For that, we will use the NUMBERVALUE function. The NUMBERVALUE function converts a number or percentage in text format to a numeric value. Here, we will use the same dataset but we need to create an extra column to apply the formula. Let’s follow the steps to learn more about this method.

STEPS:

  • First, select Cell F6.
  • Second, type the formula:
=NUMBERVALUE(E6)

Apply Formula to Convert Percentage to Number in Excel

  • Thirdly, hit Enter and drag the Fill Handle down to see the results.

Apply Formula to Convert Percentage to Number in Excel

  • Now, you can use the ‘Format Cells’ to show only four decimals after a point.

  • Then, to make the value of the numbers equal to the percentages, multiply the cells by 100.
=NUMBERVALUE(E6)*100

  • Finally, you can see the results below.

  • Furthermore, use the Fill Handle to see results in all cells.


5. Use of ‘Copy & Paste Values’ to Convert Percentage to Number in Excel

In this method, we will use the ‘Copy & Paste Values’ feature of Excel. We will again add an extra column here.

Follow the steps to learn this technique.

STEPS:

  • At first, select the cells you need to convert. We have selected Cell E6 to Cell E11.

  • Now, we need to copy them. To copy, you can press Ctrl + C from the keyboard.

  • Then, select the first cell of the Helper Column and Paste Values like below.

  • After that, you will see results like below.

  • Finally, use the ‘Format Cells’ window to display numbers to four decimal places.


Things To Remember

There is an important thing you need to remember while converting percentages to numbers. When you are using the ‘Copy & Paste Values’ method, make sure the Helper Column is in General format.


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Conclusion

We have demonstrated five quick and easy ways to convert a percentage to a number in Excel. We have also discussed percentages at the beginning. I hope these methods will help you convert percentages into numbers very easily. You can also download the practice book to exercise. Last of all, if you have any queries or suggestions, feel free to ask in the comment section.


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Mursalin Ibne Salehin
Mursalin Ibne Salehin

Hi there! This is Mursalin. I am currently working as a Team Leader at ExcelDemy. I am always motivated to gather knowledge from different sources and find solutions to problems in easier ways. I manage and help the writers to develop quality content in Excel and VBA-related topics.

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