Solving Excel “DataFormat.Error We Couldn’t Convert to Number” Error!

If you work with Microsoft Excel often, you’ve likely seen the “DataFormat.Error we couldn’t convert to number.” message. This peculiar error appears when Excel can’t recognize certain data as numeric values. It can ruin the working experience, but fortunately, it’s fixable.

In this exclusive post, you’ll explore the insights into this error, its major factors, and most significantly, how to fix it quickly.

Overview of DataFormat.Error We Couldn’t Convert to Number Error

The above-specified error message generally appears when you try to convert text to number within Excel spreadsheet. Moreover, it also occurs when importing data to Excel from other sources. This error is a clear indication that the data format in the cell(s) is incorrect.

However, various reasons can cause this error. Here are the most common causes:

• The cell is formatted as text
• Spaces before the numbers
• Excel software glitches & bugs
• The presence of non-numeric characters
• Corruption in the Excel Workbook
• Mismatched decimal & thousand separators.

Methods to Solve Excel DataFormat.Error We Couldn’t Convert to Number Error

After identifying the common reasons, let’s check out the workable solutions to fix this error.

Method 1- Rename the File

Sometimes, renaming the Excel file can sort out minor issues. To do so:

• Navigate to the location where the Excel file (displaying the error) is saved.
• Right-click on that file & Rename it.

Also Read: Excel Say “File Format Is Not Valid”?- Get Fixes Here!

Method 2- Restore from Recent Backup

Restoring the backup file is the primary resort to dealing with Excel problems without any trouble. It means if you are continuously facing dataformat.error: we couldn’t convert to number after merge, consider restoring the file from a backup folder to overcome this situation easily.

Method 3- Use ‘Convert to Number’ Option in Excel

It might be possible that the warning message is appearing due to the number stored as text in the cell. However, you can easily eliminate this problem by converting text to numbers using the ‘Convert to Number’ option.

Follow the below steps to use this option:

• First of all, select the cells within the worksheet to convert text to the number.
• Next, you will notice one yellow diamond exclamation mark near the selection.
• Now, click on the dropdown and choose ‘Convert to Number’ option.

• Finally, you will get text converted to the number successfully.

Method 4- Use Open and Repair Tool to Fix DataFormat.Error We Couldn’t Convert to Number

As already mentioned in the causes, workbook corruption can even trigger this error when converting the data or importing from an external data source. You can run Open and Repair tool to repair corrupt Excel files and solve this error.

To use this feature, follow the below instructions carefully:

• Open Excel >> click Open.
• Then, locate & click on the folder that holds the corrupted Excel workbook.
• In the Open dialog box, you have to choose a corrupted file.
• Then, click on an arrow next to the Open button and select the Open and Repair.

• Lastly, tap on Repair button to recover as much of the workbook data.

Also Read: Fix Excel “The File You Are Trying to Open Is in A Different Format” Error

Method 5- Use Excel Repair Software

Sometimes, the Open and Repair tool fails to fix severe file corruption. If this is the case, it is recommended to use the most reliable solution like Excel Repair Tool to repair corrupt Excel files.

Apart from this, there are some other features available of this tool:

• Instantly fixes several Excel errors that have occurred due to file corruption.
• 100% trusted & easy to use.
• Makes easy recovery of Excel data such as charts, formulas, chart sheets, cell comments, filters, fields, images, sorts, forms, tables, reports, etc.
• User-friendly interface.
• Supports all the latest versions of Excel & Windows.

So, just download and install this software on your PC to know how it works.

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* Free version of the product only previews recoverable data.

Steps to Use MS Excel Repair Tool:

Method 6- Try Additional Resolutions

Apart from the above DIY solutions, try other fixes like:

1. Open Excel in safe mode
2. Repair the MS Office
3. Contact the Microsoft Support team.

Hope this works for you.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

What Is the Reason for DataFormat Error?

DataFormat errors often triggers when something is not in the right format.

How to Convert Number Stored as Text to Number for Column in Excel?

To convert the number stored as text to a number for columns, right-click on the error button next to the cell(s) that appear. On a menu, click on the Convert to Number.

How To Fix Data Formatting in Excel?

To fix data formatting in MS Excel, select the cell(s) that have an Excel Style applied. Then, right-click on the applied style under Home >> Cell Styles. Choose Modify >> Format to modify the applied style.

Why Is Excel Losing My Formatting?

Excel might lose the formatting due to a variety of reasons, including PC crashes, power outages, virus infections, and more.

How Do I Ignore Format Error in Excel?

To ignore format errors in Microsoft Excel, go to the File tab >> click Options >> Formulas. In the Error Checking, clear an Enable background error checking checkbox.

Also Read: Fixing the ‘Excel Too Many Different Cell Formats’ Error

Final Thoughts

The Excel dataformat error we couldn t convert to number is a common issue, but fixable. Most of the time, the cause lies in formatting inconsistencies. However, by applying the solutions mentioned above in this post, you can eliminate this error permanently.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post!