Number Conversion Function

[Tom Bock]

I have an outline that contains multiple levels.

1
1.1
1.1.1
1.1.1.1
2



As shown in the example, the "1", "1.1", "2" entries are interpreted as
numbers (as expected). The other 2 values ("1.1.1" and "1.1.1.1") are
interpreted as text (due to the multiple dots).

Can I somehow "trick" Excel (via creating some conversion function) so that
any number like "1.1.1" or "1.1.1.1" can also be read as a number?


Thanks,
Tom

 

[Frank Kabel]

Hi
one way: Format the column prior to entering as 'Text'
another way: precede your enty with an apostophe (')

 

[Harald Staff]

Hi Tom

Which numerical value did you have in mind for 1.1.1.1 ?

 

[Tom Bock]

Frank:

Thanks... hmh, that would make them all text, right? Instead of a "numeric
value" (which was the actual goal).

Well, this might still work... follow-on questions: Is there then a way to
prefix each cell with a single quote ( ' )?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[David McRitchie]

If the purpose it to sort them, perhaps this page of mine.:
Sorting TCP/IP Addresses, and the like
http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/sorttcp.htm#chaptsort

numerical values would not work very well because Excel is limited
to 15 significant digits. so conversions to text would be safer..

 

[Frank Kabel]

Hi Tom
I would store these numbers as 'Text'. I assume you're not trying to
calculate anything with them

 

[Tom Bock]

David:

Thanks for the link... this is some good stuff. 'will have to study it
further and see if I apply it for what I have in mind.

Again, thanks!

Tom