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VAL()

Overview

VAL() converts a character expression to a numeric value. This function is the opposite of STR(), which converts numbers to strings. VAL() processes the string from left to right, converting numeric characters until it encounters a non-numeric character. If it encounters a non-numeric character before finding any numbers, it returns 0.

Function Format

VAL(string)

Return Value

VAL() returns a numeric value

Examples

// Basic numeric conversion
VAL("12.085") = 12.085

// Negative number conversion
VAL("-10") = -10

// Conversion with trailing non-numeric
VAL("5548A") = 5548

// Conversion with multiple non-numeric
VAL("5548A-12345") = 5548

// Non-numeric at start
VAL("A-5548-12345") = 0

// Additional examples
VAL("123.45") = 123.45        // Decimal number
VAL("0.001") = 0.001         // Small decimal
VAL("1000") = 1000           // Integer
VAL("1E3") = 1000            // Scientific notation

Notes

• Important behaviors:
  • Stops at first non-numeric character
  • Returns 0 if no numbers found
  • Handles decimal points
  • Preserves negative signs
  • Processes left to right
• Common use cases include:
  • String to number conversion
  • Data type conversion
  • Input validation
  • Data cleaning
  • Numeric extraction
• The function is useful for:
  • Parsing numeric data
  • Data type conversion
  • Input processing
  • Data validation
• Important considerations:
  • Opposite of STR() function
  • Strict numeric conversion
  • No rounding occurs
  • Handles scientific notation

See Also

• STR()
• ROUND()
• TRUNC()
• ABS()