> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://www.glideapps.com/docs/automation/ai/text-to-number/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://www.glideapps.com/_mcp/server.

# Text to Number

> Transform text into numbers.

The **Text to Number** feature transforms a text input into a numerical output. It can convert emojis, basic math logic, phrases, and a variety of languages. It can also take instructions about your data and apply them to existing text, returning a number result.

> **Math in Text Columns**
>
> Large language models (LLMs) are generally not good at doing math when the input is pure text. Consider specifying in the instructions to 'Do the given math equation.'

## Adding the Text to Number Feature

#### Data Editor

#### Text to Number Data Editor Arcade

Open the table where you want to use the **Text to Number** column.

Add a new basic text column for the **Input**. The input can be any column that contains text, so if you've used another action or computed column to create a text result, you can also use that text result as the **Input** source.

* New columns added with the plus button will always appear on the right. If you'd like to add a column somewhere else in your data, you can select the dropdown menu on an existing column and choose **Add column right.** You can also click and drag columns to rearrange them.

Add a **Text to Number** column to store the result. Search for 'Text to Number' or navigate to **AI → Text to Number**.

For **Instructions,** enter custom text to create more specificity for your prompt.

For **Input**, use the **Input** column created previously.

Adjust the display configurations for precision, group separator, and units if needed.

**Note:** If the action will be triggered in the Workflow Editor, then add a basic number **Result** column where the result will be stored.

Click on **Done**.

#### Layout Editor

#### Text to Number Layout Editor Arcade

If you have not yet set up the columns you'll need in the Data Editor, start there.

Add a component that supports actions such as [Button](/docs/essentials/components/button), [Hint](/docs/essentials/components/hint), or [Rich Text](/docs/essentials/components/rich-text). Bind this component with the column where the output is stored.

In the configuration panel on the right, in the **Actions** menu, select the **Text to Number** action.

Name the action and choose an icon.

For **Instructions,** enter custom text to create more specificity for your prompt.

For **Input**, choose the column where the text to be analyzed is stored, or enter custom text.

For **Results,** select the column where the results should be stored.

To display the text that results from the action, add a [Text Component](/docs/essentials/components/text) and use your results column as the source. This will instantly show the generated results to your users.

To enable users to adjust the instructions, add a [Text Entry Component](/docs/essentials/components/entry) pointing to an **Instructions** column with the adjustments you want made.

To enable users to adjust the input, add a [Text Entry Component](/docs/essentials/components/entry) pointing to the **Input** column to be able to change the input.

#### Workflow Editor

#### Text to Number Action Editor Arcade

If you have not yet set up the columns you'll need in the Data Editor, start there.

Select the (**+**) plus symbol or the **+ New Workflow** button.

Select the data source of the screen where the action will be triggered.

Add **Text to Number** as the first step of the workflow, or add it to an existing custom action flow.

For **Instructions,** enter custom text to create more specificity for your prompt.

For **Input** and **Result,** use the **Input** and **Result** columns created previously.

Optionally, add a [Show Notification](/docs/automation/actions/show-notification) action at the end of the workflow to notify the user.

## Frequently Asked Questions

#### Is Text to Number available on all plans?

The **Text to Number** feature requires a paid plan. [Browse our plans to find the right fit for you.](https://www.glideapps.com/pricing)

#### How does Text to Number consume updates?

The **Text to Number** feature will use one update every time it is triggered.

> Transform text into numbers.