You can now use the Error Checking Options button to quickly convert numbers stored as text to numbers:

1. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Error Checking tab.
2. Make sure the Enable background error checking and Number stored as text boxes are checked.
3. Select the range of cells containing numbers stored as text, indicated by green error indicators in the upper left corner of each cell.
4. Click the Error Checking Options button that appears next to the range, and then click Convert to Number.

Note  The Error Checking Options button will only appear next to the range if the active cell in the range contains an error, such as containing numbers stored as text. Additionally, if the active cell contains an error, but does not contain numbers stored as text, Convert to Number may not be an option given when you click the Error Checking Options button.