Re: [libreoffice-users] pasting numbers into Calc

On 04/10/2013 07:36 PM, Herbert Fruchtl wrote:
> This question seems to have been discussed before, but none of the replies I understand work for 
> me. Here it goes:
>
> If I copy a column-based piece of text, containing numbers in some columns, into LibreOffie Calc and apply 
> the (hopefully) correct text-to-column delimiters, all columns (including the numbers) are interpreted as 
> text. On closer inspection I find that at the start of each number there is a single quote (invisible in 
> Calc, but I can delete it with backspace, and then the number is recognized as such). Doing it manually cell 
> by cell is the only way that works. "Paste special" as number or as text doesn't work. Search and 
> replace doesn't work (or I do it wrong). I don't think it's the locale; else the aforementioned manual delete 
> of the quote wouldn't work. Writing macros is beyond my abilities (I don't know the language and I don't know 
> where and how to enter them. If something that straight-forward requires complex programming, the software is 
> broken).
>
> This is LibreOffice 3.4 on Linux Mint. The column-based text is just copied from an xterm with the 
> mouse. I have used OpenOffice and derivatives for years, but this one stumps me.
>
> Any ideas?
>
>    Herbert
I would do this:

Import the data into a sheet (pasting), say column a
In the adjacent column b enter the formula =value(a1) in cell b1.

If you wish you can save the original data on another sheet (say Sheet2) 
and then the formula is =value(Sheet2.a1)

--
Jay Lozier
jslozier@gmail.com


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