Microsoft Form Add Single Quote (') To My Number Responses

Nina 0 Reputation points
2026-09-21T04:52:03.64+00:00

Every time I input any number in a Microsoft Form, the response automatically adds a single quote (') before the number. This breaks the formula I create. Is there a way to automatically remove the symbol?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Microsoft Forms | For business

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  1. Rupali Sangle 0 Reputation points
    2026-09-21T06:19:38.56+00:00
    • Name the column Converted number. 

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  2. Rupali Sangle 0 Reputation points
    2026-09-21T06:18:49.67+00:00

    Enforce Number Ristrictions in MS forms

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  3. JeseminQH 925 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-21T06:09:30.36+00:00

    Hi @Nina

    I was unable to reproduce the behavior in a test form, as the numeric responses appeared correctly in Excel. Could you please confirm whether you are opening the live workbook linked to the form or downloading a new Excel copy? Also, does this occur with every numeric question and in both Excel for the web and the desktop application? 

    If possible, please create a new test form with a Text question set to Restrictions > Number, submit a few test responses, and check whether the same apostrophe appears. This will help determine whether the behavior is specific to the original form or its linked workbook. 

    User's image

    In the meantime, you can use a helper column to convert the responses into numbers: 

    • Open the Excel response workbook. 
    • Add a new column at the end of the response table. 
    • Name the column Converted number. 
    • In the first cell under the new heading, enter: *=[@[Question 1]]1 
    • Replace Question 1 with the name of your Microsoft Forms question. 
    • For example, if your question is How many kilometres did you travel?, use: =*[@[How many kilometres did you travel?]]1 
    • User's image
    • Press Enter and Excel should apply the formula to the remaining rows in the table. 
    • Use the Converted number column in your calculations instead of the original response column. 

    Feel free to share the requested details when convenient. I look forward to hearing from you.

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