In order to convert text strings to number format, there are two possibilities

• Use the Find & Replace function
• Use the VALUE function.

Using the Find & Replace Function

• Select the cell range which contains text strings
• Choose the Edit menu then the Find & Replace… submenu
• In the Find & Replace window, enter ^[0-9\-] in the Search for field
• In the Replace with field, enter &
• Select the Regular expressions checkbox
• Set the Search in listbox to Values
• Click Replace All

Using the VALUE Function

The function =VALUE(.) returns the numerical value of a string.