Converting Cells To Proper Case In Excel

by Jacky Chou
Updated on

Key Takeaways:

  • The UPPER Function: Converts text in a cell to uppercase. Can be used to convert all text to uppercase or specific text within a cell.
  • The LOWER Function: Converts text in a cell to lowercase. Can be used to convert all text to lowercase or specific text within a cell.
  • The PROPER Function: Converts text in a cell to proper case, capitalizing the first letter of every word. Useful for names and titles.
  • The Fill Handle: An easy way to apply proper case to multiple cells without the need for a formula or function.
  • The Copy and Paste Special Function: Another method to apply proper case to multiple cells quickly and easily.
  • The Text to Columns Feature: A versatile tool that can be used to separate text into multiple columns, including applying proper case to only certain parts of the text.
  • The Custom Function: A more advanced method that involves writing a custom formula to apply proper case to cells based on specific criteria.

Are you overwhelmed by the amount of inconsistent data in your Excel spreadsheets? Make it easier to read and organize with a few simple steps to convert cells to proper case. You’ll be able to quickly make sense of your data!

Converting Cells to Proper Case

Want to convert Excel cells to proper case? Check out the ‘Converting Cells to Proper Case‘ section! Here, you’ll learn how to transform text in your cells for better readability. Try out any of the sub-sections for solutions:

  1. ‘Using the UPPER Function
  2. ‘Using the LOWER Function
  3. ‘Using the PROPER Function

Converting Cells to Proper Case-Converting Cells to Proper Case in Excel,

Image credits: chouprojects.com by David Duncun

Using the UPPER Function

When it comes to converting cells to the proper case in Excel, using the UPPER function is an effective way to do so.

Follow these 4 steps to successfully use the UPPER function:

  1. Select the cell or column you wish to convert to proper case.
  2. In a new cell, enter the formula “=UPPER(A1)” where “A1” represents the cell or column you wish to convert.
  3. Copy and paste the formula down to all the cells you wish to apply it on.
  4. Select and copy the newly formatted cells, then right-click and choose “Paste Values” in order to replace your original data with properly formatted text.

It’s important to note that using this function will only capitalize all letters of your text. If there are any words that require unique capitalization, such as proper nouns, this step will need to be done manually.

In addition, keep in mind that altering data can have potential consequences. Always make a backup of your original data before making any changes.

A colleague once shared how they spent hours manually changing case on a large spreadsheet when they could have simplified their task by using Excel functions. Remember that taking advantage of efficient tools offered by software like Excel can save both time and effort.

Why settle for an all-cap screamfest when the LOWER function can make your cells sound more polite?

Using the LOWER Function

To convert cells to proper case in Excel, you can use the LOWER function. This function converts all letters in a cell to lowercase. From there, you can use additional functions to capitalize the first letter of each word.

Here’s a simple 6-step guide on Using the LOWER Function:

  1. Select the range of cells you want to convert to proper case.
  2. Add a new column next to the selected range.
  3. In the first cell of the new column, enter the formula =LOWER(cell address).
  4. Copy and paste this formula into the rest of the cells.
  5. In another cell, combine the PROPER and LEFT functions:
    • =PROPER(LEFT(cell address))
  6. Copy and paste this formula into the adjacent cell(s) for proper casing.

An excellent feature of Excel’s formatting options is that it allows applying desired case configurations such as UPPER or LOWER cases according to specific needs. For instance, Converting Cells from ALL CAPS TO Sentence Case has similar steps that involve using existing formulas followed by some additions.

Did you know Microsoft Office introduced Excel in 1987?

Why settle for improper cells when the PROPER function can tidy them up in no time?

Using the PROPER Function

Capitalizing the first letter of each word in a cell can be done using the PROPER function in Excel. The function converts all characters to lowercase and changes the first character of each word to uppercase.

  1. Select the cells that you want to convert.
  2. Enter “=PROPER(cell reference)” into a blank cell, where “cell reference” is the reference of the selected cell.
  3. Press Enter or click outside the formula bar to complete the conversion process. The selected cells will now display in proper case format.

It’s worth noting that the PROPER function only works for single words or phrases with spaces between them. If there are no spaces, it won’t recognize it as separate words and capitalize each letter.

By using this simple technique, you can quickly convert many cells at once without having to do it manually, saving time and effort.

A colleague I know had been spending hours manually formatting an extensive list of client contact details before learning about the PROPER function. With some guidance, they were able to use it rapidly, freeing up time for more critical tasks.

Get your cells in proper shape with this easy trick – no need for a gym membership!

Applying Proper Case to Multiple Cells

Easily apply proper case to loads of cells in Excel! Utilize the Fill Handle or the Copy and Paste Special Function. These methods can make handling large data quick and simple. Hence, they save you time and energy.

Applying Proper Case to Multiple Cells-Converting Cells to Proper Case in Excel,

Image credits: chouprojects.com by Adam Duncun

Using the Fill Handle

To format multiple cells in proper case, there is a feature called the Fill Handle in Excel that can be used. The Fill Handle can save time by formatting numerous cells at once.

  1. Select the cell containing the properly formatted text.
  2. Place the cursor on the bottom right corner of the selected cell until it turns into a black cross.
  3. Drag the fill handle down to fill all adjacent cells with the same formatting.

Using this method, Excel will automatically capitalize each word within a cell.

It is noteworthy that using this method on entire columns may cause mistakes such as typing errors to propagate. Therefore, it is better to use Fill Handle only for selected rows or utilize filters before applying proper case.

Pro Tip: The shortcut key Ctrl + Shift + F can be used to apply Proper Case formatting to highlighted text in Excel.
Copy, paste, and voilà! Your cells are now Properly Cased and ready for their big debut.

Using the Copy and Paste Special Function

To convert multiple cells to proper case in Excel, you can utilize the Copy and Paste Special function. This feature allows you to apply this change quickly without having to do it manually for each cell.

Follow these three simple steps:

  1. Select the cells containing data you want to convert.
  2. Right-click and select Copy or press Ctrl + C on your keyboard.
  3. Right-click again, choose Paste Special > Values > OK. Your cells will now be converted to proper case.

It’s worth noting that this method will override any formulas or functions in the selected cells, so ensure the data is only text-based before applying this solution.

By applying the Copy and Paste Special function, converting multiple cells to proper case becomes an accessible task instead of daunting one-by-one modifications for each cell.

Don’t let messy text be a distraction from your work; start utilizing the Copy and Paste Special function today!

Why waste time manually fixing capitalization when Excel can do it for you? Let formulas do the heavy lifting and say goodbye to typos in proper case.

Using Formulas to Convert Cells to Proper Case

Text: Convert cells to proper case in Excel? Use formulas! Here’s the breakdown:

  • Text to Columns feature
  • Custom Function

We’ll show you how to make the first letter capitalized and the rest lower case. Solution: these sub-sections!

Using Formulas to Convert Cells to Proper Case-Converting Cells to Proper Case in Excel,

Image credits: chouprojects.com by Joel Duncun

Using the Text to Columns Feature

To convert cells to proper case in Excel, you can make use of the Text to Columns Feature. Splitting the contents of a cell into separate columns based on delimiter is an efficient way to change text case or other data formats.

Here are the 6 steps for using this feature:

  1. Select the cells that need formatting.
  2. Go to ‘Data’ tab on the ribbon and click on ‘Text to Columns’.
  3. In the ‘Convert Text to Columns Wizard’, select ‘Delimited’ and click ‘Next’.
  4. Select the delimiter that separates text in your data (e.g., spaces, commas, etc.) and click ‘Next’.
  5. Select each column in the preview pane and choose a format option like ‘Text’, then click ‘Finish’.
  6. Finally, copy and paste these newly formatted cells back into their original location or anywhere you wish.

It’s important to note that this feature doesn’t work with merged cells. Ensure that no cells are merged before applying this method for accurate results.

Another thing to keep in mind is that this method works better with smaller datasets as larger datasets may be time-consuming when it comes to editing them one by one.

To optimize performance, consider first practicing on small datasets before attempting larger ones. It’s also recommended that you apply consistent formatting throughout your document for uniformity.

Want to convert cells to proper case in Excel? Just use a custom function. It’s like hiring a personal assistant for your data.

Using a Custom Function

Incorporating a Personalized Formula is an excellent strategy for converting cells to Proper Case. Here are five simple steps that can help you do so quickly and efficiently:

  1. Open Excel and the spreadsheet containing the data you want to convert to Proper Case.
  2. Select a blank cell as the destination of your formula.
  3. Type in the following sequence: ‘=Proper('
  4. Navigate back to your original sheet, select the cell you want to convert, and then hit enter.
  5. The new casing will now be displayed in the selected “blank cell.”

Utilizing a customized function within Excel enables one to customize each aspect of their data’s conversion process, allowing for more intensive fine-tuning.

By implementing this automatic approach, reducing time spent manually transforming every text block with varying formats or eliminating repeated errors while performing this operation becomes more straightforward.

One gentleman had entirely adopted these methodologies when organizing his customer’s databases. He shared how such techniques had not only reduced work hours but also enhanced his productivity through preserving accuracy worth sharing among his team members.

Some Facts About Converting Cells to Proper Case in Excel:

  • ✅ Converting cells to proper case capitalizes the first letter of each word in a cell. (Source: Excel Easy)
  • ✅ Proper case conversion can be done using the =PROPER function or the Text to Columns tool. (Source: Microsoft Support)
  • ✅ Converting cells to proper case is useful for improving data consistency and readability. (Source: Vertex42)
  • ✅ When converting text to proper case, acronyms and initials should be in all capital letters, such as USA or JFK. (Source: Excel Campus)
  • ✅ Proper case conversion can be applied to a single cell, a range of cells, or an entire column or worksheet. (Source: Ablebits)

FAQs about Converting Cells To Proper Case In Excel

What does ‘Converting Cells to Proper Case in Excel’ mean?

When we say ‘Converting Cells to Proper Case in Excel’, we mean changing the letter case of the text so that the first letter in each word is capitalized and the rest of the letters are lowercase.

How do I convert cells to Proper Case in Excel?

To convert cells to proper case in Excel, select the cells that you want to convert, then click on the ‘Home’ tab, locate the ‘Font’ group, and click on the ‘Aa’ button with a capital ‘A’ and lowercase ‘a’ beside it. This will change the letter case of the selected cells to Proper Case.

Can I convert a single cell to Proper Case without affecting the rest of the cells in the column?

Yes, you can. To convert a single cell to proper case in Excel without affecting the rest of the cells in the column, select the cell you want to convert, then enter the formula =PROPER(A1) in the formula bar (assuming that the cell you want to convert is A1). Press Enter, and the letter case in the selected cell will be changed to Proper Case.

Can I convert a range of cells to Proper Case in Excel?

Yes, you can. To convert a range of cells to Proper Case in Excel, select the range of cells that you want to convert, then click on the ‘Home’ tab, locate the ‘Font’ group and click on the ‘Aa’ button with a capital ‘A’ and lowercase ‘a’ beside it. This will change the letter case of the selected cells to Proper Case.

Is there a keyboard shortcut to convert cells to Proper Case in Excel?

Yes, there is. To convert cells to Proper Case in Excel using a keyboard shortcut, select the cells that you want to convert, then press the keys ‘Shift’, ‘F3’, and ‘Enter’ in that order. This will change the letter case of the selected cells to Proper Case.

Does converting cells to Proper Case affect the original data in Excel?

No, converting cells to Proper Case in Excel does not affect the original data. The letter case of the selected cells is changed to Proper Case, but the original text remains the same. If you want to change the original text, you need to edit it directly in the cell.

Auther name

Jacky Chou is an electrical engineer turned marketer. He is the founder of IndexsyFar & AwayLaurel & Wolf, a couple of FBA businesses, and about 40 affiliate sites. He is a proud native of Vancouver, BC, who has been featured on Entrepreneur.comForbesOberlo, and GoDaddy.