MS Excel: VALUETOTEXT function to convert into text string
- Fakhriddinbek
- May 3
- 2 min read
The VALUETOTEXT function in Excel is designed to convert any value—number, text, logical, or array—into a text string. Introduced in Excel 365, it’s especially useful for debugging, auditing formulas, or displaying underlying data clearly in dynamic reports or dashboards.
Unlike older methods like TEXT, &"", or CONCATENATE, the VALUETOTEXT function offers greater control and consistency, especially when dealing with arrays or dynamic Excel functions.
Syntax
=VALUETOTEXT(value, [format])
Parameters:
Argument | Description |
value | Required. The value to convert to text. Can be a number, text, array, etc. |
format | Optional. Determines how arrays are displayed: • 0 (default): concise • 1: strict (includes array symbols) |
Returns: A text representation of the input value or values.
Examples
Value in Cell | Formula | Result | Notes |
123 | =VALUETOTEXT(A2) | "123" | Converts number to text |
TRUE | =VALUETOTEXT(A3) | "TRUE" | Converts boolean value |
{1,2;3,4} | =VALUETOTEXT(A4, 1) | "{1,2;3,4}" | Strict formatting of 2D array |
"Excel" | =VALUETOTEXT(A5) | "Excel" | Returns same string |
{10,20,30} | =VALUETOTEXT(A6) | "10 20 30" | Concise format of array |
{10,20,30} | =VALUETOTEXT(A6, 1) | "{10,20,30}" | Strict format of same array |
Use Cases
Scenario | How VALUETOTEXT Helps |
Dynamic labels in dashboards | Convert formula results into readable text |
Debugging arrays or LAMBDA outputs | View intermediate array values as text |
Logging outputs from dynamic formulas | Document or export complex results as text |
Simplified CONCATENATION | Combine any data type into string format easily |
Related Functions
Function | Description |
TEXT | Converts numeric values into formatted text |
ARRAYTOTEXT | Similar, but specifically designed for arrays |
NUMBERVALUE | Converts text into numbers |
T | Returns text or empty string from a value |
CONCAT, TEXTJOIN | Combine values into strings |
Summary
Feature | Description |
Function Name | VALUETOTEXT |
Purpose | Convert any value into a text string |
Best For | Debugging, logging, combining formula outputs |
Optional Argument | Format type: concise (0) or strict (1) |
Availability | Excel 365, Excel for the Web |
Final Thoughts
The VALUETOTEXT function adds precision and versatility to Excel’s growing text-handling toolkit. Whether you’re building custom LAMBDA functions, report automation, or auditing formulas, this function helps you translate data into readable text quickly and reliably.
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