Removing the percentage symbol in Excel can be a breeze once you know the steps. Essentially, it’s a matter of converting the percentage back to a regular number format. You can do this by changing the cell format and adjusting the numbers as needed. Below, we’ll go through a detailed step-by-step guide to make this task easy-peasy.
How to Remove the Percentage Symbol in Excel
This section will walk you through the steps to remove the percentage symbol from cells in Excel, turning those pesky percentages back into regular numbers.
Step 1: Select the Cells
First, select the cells that have the percentage symbols you want to remove.
Click and drag your mouse over the cells, or use keyboard shortcuts like Shift + Arrow keys to highlight them.
Step 2: Open the Format Cells Dialog Box
Next, open the Format Cells dialog box.
Right-click on the highlighted cells and choose "Format Cells" from the context menu. Alternatively, press Ctrl + 1.
Step 3: Change the Cell Format to Number
In the Format Cells dialog box, change the cell format to "Number".
Navigate to the "Number" tab and select "Number" from the list. Adjust the decimal places if necessary.
Step 4: Divide by 100 (if necessary)
If the numbers still appear as percentages, divide them by 100 to convert them to regular numbers.
Enter "=A1/100" in a new cell, where A1 is the cell with the percentage. Drag the fill handle to apply this formula to other cells if needed.
Step 5: Copy and Paste as Values
Finally, copy the converted numbers and paste them as values to replace the original percentages.
Highlight the cells with the formulas, press Ctrl + C to copy, then right-click where you want to paste and choose "Paste Special" > "Values".
Once you complete these steps, your cells will no longer display percentages. Instead, you’ll see regular numbers.
Tips for Removing the Percentage Symbol in Excel
- Backup Your Data: Always keep a backup of your original data before making any significant changes.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Speed up the process by using keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog.
- Check Decimal Places: Make sure to adjust the number of decimal places to match your requirements.
- Verification: Double-check your converted numbers to ensure accuracy.
- Use Paste Special: When copying and pasting, use "Paste Special" to ensure you’re pasting values only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change a percentage back to a regular number in Excel?
Right-click the cell, choose "Format Cells," select "Number" from the list, and then adjust the decimal places if necessary.
Why do I need to divide by 100 when removing the percentage symbol?
Percentages in Excel are stored as fractions (e.g., 50% as 0.50). Dividing by 100 converts them back to their original values.
Can I remove percentage symbols from multiple cells at once?
Yes, you can. Highlight all the cells, right-click to open the Format Cells dialog, and make the necessary changes.
What if my numbers don’t change after formatting?
Ensure that you’ve correctly formatted the cells and may need to divide by 100 to see the changes.
Is there a quicker way to remove percentage symbols in Excel?
Using keyboard shortcuts and Paste Special can speed up the process significantly.
Summary
- Select the cells.
- Open the Format Cells dialog box.
- Change the cell format to "Number".
- Divide by 100 if necessary.
- Copy and paste as values.
Conclusion
Removing the percentage symbol in Excel doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can easily convert those percentages back into regular numbers. Remember to always keep a backup of your original data, use keyboard shortcuts to save time, and double-check your results for accuracy. Armed with these tips and answers to common questions, you’re now well-prepared to tackle any percentage-related challenges in Excel.
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other Excel tutorials for more tips and tricks. Excel can be a powerful tool once you get the hang of it, making tasks like these as simple as pie. Happy spreadsheeting!