How to use the Excel T function

Summary

The Excel T function returns text when given a text value and an empty string ("") for numbers, dates, and the logical values TRUE and FALSE. You can use the T function to remove values that are not text.

Purpose

Filter text values only

Return value

Value as text when text

Syntax

=T (value)

Arguments

value - The value to return as text.

Version

Excel 2003

Usage notes

The Excel T function converts numbers, dates, and the logical values TRUE and FALSE into empty strings. Text values and errors are not converted and pass through unaffected. You can use the T function to remove values that are not text.

The T function takes one argument, value, which can be a cell reference, a formula result, or a hardcoded value.

Examples

The T function returns text when given a text value and an empty string ("") for numbers, dates, and the logical values TRUE and FALSE. For example:

=T("apple") // returns "apple"
=T("NASA") // returns "NASA"
=T(100) // returns ""
=T(FALSE) // returns ""

In most cases, the T function is unnecessary, because Excel automatically converts values when needed. The T function is provided for compatibility with other spreadsheet programs.

Errors are not affected by the T function:

=T(3/0) // returns #DIV/0!
=T("#N/A") // returns #N/A

Notes

The T function removes numeric values. The N function removes text values.

Related functions

Excel N Function

The Excel N function returns a number when given a value. The N function can be used to convert TRUE and FALSE to 1 and 0 respectively. When given a text value, the N function returns zero.