How to Convert Currency Text to Decimal Number in Power Query
You are importing data from a CSV file into Power BI. The file contains a column 'SalesAmount' with values like '$1,234.56'. When you load the data, the column is detected as text. What is the most efficient way to convert this column to a numeric type in Power Query?
Quick Answer
The answer is to use Replace Values to remove the dollar sign and comma, then change the column type to decimal. This is correct because non-numeric characters like currency symbols and thousands separators prevent Power Query from automatically converting text to a number; stripping them first cleans the data so the type change succeeds without errors. On the PL-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of data cleaning in Power Query, often appearing in questions about importing CSV files where currency columns are misdetected as text. A common trap is trying to change the type directly, which creates error rows, or using the Locale feature, which is less efficient for simple symbol removal. The most efficient approach preserves data integrity by handling the root cause before conversion. Memory tip: think “strip the symbols, then switch the type”—clean first, convert second.
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently assume Power BI's automatic data type detection or direct type conversion can handle formatted currency values, but Power Query requires explicit cleaning of non-numeric characters before conversion.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use 'Replace Values' to remove the dollar sign and comma, then change the column type to decimal.
It directly addresses the root cause: the dollar sign and comma are non-numeric characters that prevent automatic type conversion. By using 'Replace Values' to remove these characters first, you clean the data so that Power Query can then safely change the column type to decimal. This is the most efficient approach because it avoids error rows and preserves data integrity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use 'Replace Values' to remove the dollar sign and comma, then change the column type to decimal.
Why this is correct
This directly cleans the text and converts to number.
- ✗
Use 'Detect Data Type' and hope it automatically converts.
Why it's wrong here
Detect Data Type may not handle the currency symbol correctly; it may remain as text.
- ✗
Change the column type to decimal directly and ignore errors.
Why it's wrong here
Errors will occur due to the non-numeric characters, and ignoring them results in nulls.
- ✗
Split the column by delimiter ',' and then convert the first part.
Why it's wrong here
Splitting will separate the number from the decimal part incorrectly.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on PL-300
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. You are importing data from a CSV file into Power BI. The file contains a column 'Price' with values like '$1,234.56'. When you preview the data, the column is recognized as text. You need to convert it to a decimal number. What should you do in Power Query Editor?
easy- ✓ A.Replace values: remove '$' and ',' then change type to Decimal Number.
- B.Split the column by delimiter and keep the numeric part.
- C.Change the data type to Decimal Number directly.
- D.Remove commas using Replace Values, then change type.
Why A: Power Query Editor cannot automatically parse currency-formatted text like '$1,234.56' into a decimal number due to the non-numeric characters. By first using Replace Values to remove the '$' and ',' symbols, you strip the text down to '1234.56', which Power Query can then successfully convert to a Decimal Number type using the Change Type step.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PL-300 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PL-300 exam.