Changing the case of text in Excel can improve the readability of your data. Excel has various functions that can be used to convert text to uppercase, lowercase, or proper case. In this guide, I’ll walk you through various methods to change the case of text in Excel.
Key Takeaways:
- Excel can change text to uppercase, lowercase, or proper case.
- UPPER changes all letters to capital letters.
- LOWER changes all letters to small letters.
- PROPER capitalizes the first letter of each word.
- Flash Fill can change text case without using formulas.
Table of Contents
Methods to Case Change in Excel
Method #1: Using Functions
Excel’s built-in functions—UPPER, LOWER, and PROPER—offer an elegant way to transform text case with precision and ease. The LOWER function graciously converts text in a selected cell to all lowercase letters.
While the UPPER function does the opposite, elevating text to all uppercase.
If you’re aiming for a more refined touch, the PROPER function transforms text to title case, where the first letter of each word is capitalized.
This method doesn’t just ensure consistency; it respects the original content, only altering letter cases without modifying text structure or content.
Method #2: Using Flash Fill
Flash Fill in Excel is like a magician’s trick, instantly transforming text case with a hint of example-based learning. You just need to provide a sample of how you want your data to look, and voilà, Flash Fill replicates that formatting across your dataset.
It’s incredibly useful for situations where patterns in the data are clear but employing formulas seems overwhelming. This tool can be a lifesaver for quickly converting names, addresses, or other information to your desired text case, without the need for complex formulas or macros.
Once you’ve tried Flash Fill for converting text case, you’ll understand why it’s one of Excel’s most swift and spectacular features. They don’t need to write a single formula; instead, they lead by example — typing the correctly cased text in a cell, and upon triggering Flash Fill, the rest of the data falls into alignment.
Thus, accomplishing what might have taken long tedious manual work or delicate formulas is executed almost instantly. It’s especially helpful when you’ve got inconsistent data that requires case-changing attention.
Method #3: Using VBA
For more complex tasks or automation, I can use VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) to change the case of text. Follow the steps below to use VBA to change case in Excel –
STEP 1: Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.
STEP 2: Insert a new module (Insert > Module).
STEP 3: Copy and paste the above code into the module.
STEP 4: Select the range of cells we want to convert.
STEP 5: Press Alt + F8, select the macro ConvertToUpperCase, and click Run.
FAQs
Can you change text case in Excel?
Yes, you can change text case in Excel. Use functions like UPPER, LOWER, and PROPER to convert text to uppercase, lowercase, or title case, respectively. You can also change text case using the flash fill feature or VBA macors.
What is the Shortcut Key to change text case?
You can use the shortcut “Shift + F3” to cycle through different text case options.
How to change case in Excel without a formula?
To switch text case without formulas, use Flash Fill.
- Type one example in the desired case
- Hit Ctrl + E to apply it to the remaining cells
Which function changes text to uppercase?
The UPPER function changes text to uppercase.
John Michaloudis is a former accountant and finance analyst at General Electric, a Microsoft MVP since 2020, an Amazon #1 bestselling author of 4 Microsoft Excel books and teacher of Microsoft Excel & Office over at his flagship MyExcelOnline Academy Online Course.








