TEXT Function (LibreOffice Calc)
The TEXT function in LibreOffice Calc converts numbers into formatted text strings using a specified number format code. It is essential for building readable labels, reports, dashboards, and structured output.
Verification status: Consult the documentation and examples below. Native application testing has not been documented for this guide. How formula examples are checked
Native-tested visual example: Format an amount as a label
Quick answer: Display a consistent two-decimal value and currency suffix. The following example was run in LibreOffice Calc 25.2.3.2, not simulated or inferred from a formula description.
Enter the sample data
The downloadable workbook uses these exact rows on its Example sheet. Enter the values or download the editable TEXT ODS practice workbook instead.
| Sheet row | A: Invoice | B: Region | C: Amount | D: Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | INV-01 | East | 12.5 | small |
| 6 | INV-02 | West | 50 | standard |
| 7 | INV-03 | East | 99.9 | discount |
| 8 | INV-04 | North | 1234.5 | large order |
| 9 | INV-05 | West | 0.75 | fee |
| 10 | INV-06 | South | 205.12 | monthly |
Formula and result
Select E5 in the practice workbook. The formula is:
=TEXT(C8;"0.00")&" CAD"
Verified output: 1234.50 CAD. TEXT turns 1234.5 into characters with two decimals, and & appends CAD.
Screenshot captured from LibreOffice Calc 25.2.3.2. The formula, input values and E5 result are visible in the actual application.
Second example you can try
The workbook also includes this independently tested variation in E12:
=TEXT(C5;"0.00")
Verified output: 12.50. Change the related input cell and press Enter to see the result update.
Common mistake: TEXT produces text, not a numeric amount; keep original numeric cells for further arithmetic.
Official documentation: LibreOffice Calc reference for TEXT. Test scope: These two worked examples were recalculated in Calc 25.2.3.2; other historical formulas elsewhere on this page may still require separate testing. This file includes no generated or artificial application screenshot.
What the TEXT Function Does
- Converts numbers into formatted text
- Uses number format codes (same as cell formatting)
- Essential for labels, dashboards, and reports
- Works with dates, times, percentages, currency, and more
- Output is text, not a number
It is designed to be flexible, expressive, and formatting‑rich.
Syntax
TEXT(value; format_code)
Arguments
-
value:
A number, date, time, or numeric expression. -
format_code:
A text string specifying the number format.
Common Format Code Examples
| Format Code | Meaning | Example Output |
|---|---|---|
| “0” | Integer | 42 |
| “0.00” | Two decimals | 42.00 |
| “#,##0” | Thousands separator | 1,234 |
| “$0.00” | Currency | $42.00 |
| “0%” | Percentage | 42% |
| “0.00%” | Percentage w/ decimals | 42.50% |
| “YYYY-MM-DD” | Date | 2026-03-01 |
| “HH:MM” | Time | 14:30 |
| “0000” | Zero‑padded | 0042 |
Basic Examples
Format a number with two decimals
=TEXT(3.14159; "0.00")
Returns "3.14".
Format a date
=TEXT(A1; "YYYY-MM-DD")
Format a time
=TEXT(A1; "HH:MM")
Format as currency
=TEXT(A1; "$0.00")
Format as percentage
=TEXT(A1; "0.00%")
Zero‑pad a number
=TEXT(A1; "00000")
Advanced Examples
Build a label with formatted numbers
=CONCAT("Total: "; TEXT(A1; "$#,##0.00"))
Build a date label
=CONCAT("Report for "; TEXT(A1; "MMMM YYYY"))
Format a timestamp
=TEXT(A1; "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS")
Format a phone number
=TEXT(A1; "(000) 000-0000")
Format a part number
=TEXT(A1; "000-000-000")
Format with conditional text
=CONCAT(TEXT(A1; "0.00"); " units")
Format with thousands separator
=TEXT(A1; "#,##0")
Format negative numbers with parentheses
=TEXT(A1; "#,##0.00;(#,##0.00)")
Format dates with month names
=TEXT(A1; "DD MMMM YYYY")
Format time duration
=TEXT(A1; "[HH]:MM:SS")
Combine TEXT with TEXTJOIN
=TEXTJOIN(", "; TRUE; TEXT(A1:A5; "0.00"))
Edge Cases and Behavior Details
TEXT always returns text
=TYPE(TEXT(42; "0")) → 2 (text)
TEXT does not change the underlying value
Only the display changes.
TEXT requires valid format codes
Invalid codes return Err:502.
TEXT converts numbers only
If value is text, TEXT returns text unchanged.
TEXT with dates/times requires numeric date/time values
=TEXT("2024-01-01"; "YYYY") → Err:502
TEXT does not localize automatically
Format codes must match locale settings.
TEXT does not accept ranges directly
Use array formulas or TEXTJOIN.
TEXT of an error propagates the error
=TEXT(#N/A; "0.00") → #N/A
Common Errors and Fixes
Err:502 — Invalid argument
Occurs when:
- format_code is invalid
- value is non-numeric text
- format_code is not quoted
TEXT returns unexpected formatting
Cause:
- Locale mismatch
- Wrong format code
- Missing escape characters
TEXT returns
Cause:
- Cell too narrow
- Not enough space to display formatted text
Best Practices
- Use TEXT to format numbers for labels and reports
- Use TEXTJOIN or CONCAT to assemble formatted strings
- Use TEXT for zero‑padding and structured codes
- Use TEXT for readable dates and times
- Use TEXT with conditional logic for dynamic formatting
- Validate format codes carefully
Related Patterns and Alternatives
- Use VALUE to convert formatted text back to numbers
- Use FIXED for formatted numbers without custom codes
- Use CONCAT, TEXTJOIN, CONCATENATE for assembly
- Use LEFT, RIGHT, MID for extraction
- Use SUBSTITUTE and REPLACE for editing
By mastering TEXT and its companion functions, you can build polished, readable, and highly structured text‑output workflows in LibreOffice Calc.
Reproducible example (tested in LibreOffice Calc)
This standalone example was calculated in LibreOffice Calc 25.2.3.2 and matched the expected value. It is a practical cross-check of one usage, not proof that every example elsewhere on this page is correct.
=TEXT(1234.5;"0.00")
Expected result: 1234.50.
Control how a numeric value appears as text.
If the result differs, check the referenced cells, argument separators and number formatting. For more information, consult the LibreOffice Calc official help.