How to Remove Percentage in Excel 2013: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Remove Percentage in Excel 2013

Removing percentages in Excel 2013 is as easy as pie! All you need to do is convert the percentage back to a regular number format. Here’s a quick overview: First, select the cells with percentages. Then, change the cell format from percentage to general or number format. Voila! Your data will now appear as regular numbers without the percentage sign. Let’s dive into the details to make sure you nail it every time.

How to Remove Percentage in Excel 2013

This guide will walk you through the steps to transform percentages into regular numbers in Excel 2013. By following these steps, you’ll be able to efficiently convert your data without altering the actual values.

Step 1: Select the Cells

First, choose the cells containing the percentages that you wish to convert.

You can do this by clicking and dragging your mouse over the cells. If your data is scattered, hold down the Ctrl key while selecting each cell.

Step 2: Open the Format Cells Dialog Box

Next, right-click on one of the selected cells and choose "Format Cells" from the context menu.

This action opens the Format Cells dialog box, where you can change how your data is displayed. Don’t worry; this won’t change the actual numbers.

Step 3: Choose the Number Format

In the Format Cells dialog, go to the "Number" tab and select "Number" from the category list.

This step is crucial because it tells Excel to display numbers in a regular format. You can even set the number of decimal places here if needed.

Step 4: Apply the Changes

Click "OK" to apply the changes and close the dialog box.

Once you press OK, the percentage signs disappear, leaving you with pure numbers.

After completing these steps, your data will no longer display as percentages. Instead, you’ll see the actual numerical values, which can be handy for various calculations and analyses.

Tips for Removing Percentage in Excel 2013

• Always double-check your data before changing formats to avoid errors.
• Use "Ctrl+1" as a keyboard shortcut to quickly open the Format Cells dialog box.
• Consider saving a copy of your original data to prevent accidental loss.
• If decimals appear, you can adjust the decimal places in the Format Cells dialog.
• Remember, changing the format won’t alter the actual value stored in the cell.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I revert back to a percentage format?

Simply repeat the steps, but choose "Percentage" in the Format Cells dialog box to convert numbers back to percentages.

Can I remove percentages for an entire column?

Yes, click the column letter to select the entire column, then follow the steps to change the format.

Will this process affect formulas using these cells?

No, changing the format only affects how the data is displayed, not the calculations themselves.

What if my percentages have different decimal places?

You can standardize decimal places in the Format Cells dialog by setting the desired number of decimal places.

How can I ensure I don’t lose any data?

Always create a backup of your worksheet before making extensive changes to data formats.

Summary

1. Select the cells.
2. Open Format Cells dialog.
3. Choose Number format.
4. Apply the changes.

Conclusion

Mastering Excel 2013 can open a world of possibilities for managing data, and knowing how to remove percentages is a handy skill in your toolbox. By converting percentages to regular numbers, you can simplify your data for effortless reading and analysis. Remember, this change is purely cosmetic in nature—the actual value remains unchanged, which means calculations and formulas remain intact.

If you find yourself frequently switching between formats, practice these steps until they become second nature. Excel offers a wealth of shortcuts and options, so don’t stop exploring! Whether you’re preparing a report or fine-tuning a budget, understanding how to manipulate data formats enhances your efficiency and precision. Happy Excel-ing!