Converting small letters to capital letters in Excel is a simple task that can be done using the UPPER function. This function changes all lowercase letters in a text string to uppercase. To do this, you will need to use a formula that includes the cell reference of the text you want to convert.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Convert Small Letter to Capital Letter in Excel
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re about to do. We will use the UPPER function in Excel to convert lowercase text in a cell to uppercase. This function is handy when you want to standardize the text for presentations or reports.
Step 1: Select the cell where you want the capital letters to appear
The first thing you need to do is click on the cell where you want the converted text to be displayed. This cell will contain the formula that converts the text from another cell to uppercase.
When you select the cell, make sure it’s not the same cell that contains the lowercase text you want to convert. If you do that, you’ll overwrite the original text, and we don’t want that!
Step 2: Type the UPPER function formula
Next, you’ll need to type in the formula “=UPPER(cell reference)” without the quotation marks. Replace “cell reference” with the actual cell reference that contains the text you want to convert.
For example, if the text you want to convert is in cell A1, the formula would be “=UPPER(A1)”. Make sure to include the parentheses and the cell reference inside them.
Step 3: Press Enter to apply the formula
After typing in the formula, hit the Enter key on your keyboard. The text in the referenced cell will instantly be converted to uppercase and displayed in the cell where you entered the formula.
Remember, the original text in the referenced cell won’t change. It will remain in lowercase, but the text in the new cell – where you input the formula – will be in uppercase.
After you complete the action, the cell with the formula will display the text in uppercase. Any changes made to the original text will automatically update the uppercase version, thanks to the dynamic nature of Excel formulas.
Tips: Converting Small Letter to Capital Letter in Excel
- Make sure you’re referencing the correct cell in your UPPER function formula.
- The UPPER function will not affect numbers, special characters, or spaces – only letters.
- If you want to convert multiple cells to uppercase, you can drag the formula down or across to apply it to other cells.
- To quickly change the case of text in Excel without using a formula, you can use the “Change Case” feature in the Excel ribbon under the “Home” tab.
- Remember that the UPPER function formula will not alter the original text, so if you want to replace the lowercase text with uppercase permanently, you’ll need to copy the uppercase text and use “Paste Values” to overwrite the original text.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UPPER function in Excel?
The UPPER function is an Excel formula that converts all lowercase letters in a text string to uppercase. It’s useful when you need to standardize text formatting or make text stand out.
Can I convert a whole column of text to uppercase using the UPPER function?
Yes, you can. After entering the formula in the first cell, click on the lower right corner of the cell and drag it down to fill the entire column with the formula. This will apply the UPPER function to each cell in the column.
Will the UPPER function change the formatting of my text?
No, the UPPER function only changes the case of the letters. It does not affect font size, color, or any other text formatting.
What happens if I delete the original lowercase text after converting it to uppercase?
If you delete the original text, the uppercase version will display a “#REF!” error since the formula can no longer reference the original text. Always make sure to keep the original text or use “Paste Values” if you want to make the change permanent.
Can I use the UPPER function to convert text in multiple cells at once?
Yes, you can convert text in multiple cells by selecting the range of cells where you want to apply the formula, typing the formula, and pressing Ctrl+Enter. This will fill all the selected cells with the formula at once.
Summary
- Select the cell for the uppercase text.
- Type the UPPER function formula.
- Press Enter.
Conclusion
Converting small letters to capital letters in Excel is a breeze once you get the hang of it. With the help of the UPPER function, you can quickly and effortlessly standardize text for a cleaner and more professional look in your spreadsheets. Whether you’re preparing a report, organizing data, or just trying to make your Excel sheet more readable, knowing how to convert text to uppercase is a valuable skill to have in your arsenal. And remember, Excel is a powerful tool with a plethora of functions designed to make your work easier, so don’t hesitate to explore and learn more about what it can do for you. Happy Excel-ing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.