Re: [libreoffice-users] Re: CALC convert text to numbers

On Thu, 14 Nov 2013 07:07:53 +0200
Ady <ady-sf@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Well, the procedure I mentioned involves copying one cell only, which 
> means it is a faster method, as oppose to having to copy perhaps a 
> lot of cells (e.g. a "whole" column; or having to add many new 
> "VALUE" formulas; or having to add a new column and multiply by 1 
> each cell and then paste special...).
>
> I repeat the procedure that I posted before (which works correctly in 
> other spreadsheet tools):
>
> 1_ In an auxiliary non-formatted cell, insert the number 1. 
> 2_ Copy that auxiliary cell. 
> 3_ Select the cells with numbers that are currently formatted as 
> 'text' that you want to convert. 
> 4_ Paste special (all), multiply. 
> 5_ Delete the auxiliary cell. 
Hunh! Well, you live and learn. I didn't know you could do this.

I see that this doesn't work, although using a formula of cell*1 does
work. In other words, when using a formula, if a cell is given as
input, and is text where a number is expected, an attempt is made to
use VALUE on the cell. If copying and pasting, the attempt is not made.

I'm not sure it is correct to ever do an implicit VALUE, but there is a
good argument for making this copy paste method consistant with the
behaviour of the function method.

> Although the "Tools -> Text to Columns..." method in Calc is nice, 
> the procedure I am describing is more flexible.
I'm not sure why you say it is more flexible. Text to columns would be
the "correct" way of doing this, and I can't right now think of a
case where you would need your way. Can you give an example?

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