If you want to change it to numeric:

Put 1 in an empty cell
Copy this cell
Highlight data to be changed
Edit==Paste Special==Operation--Multiply
delete 1 fom your "helper" cell

HTH

"Syndrome" wrote:

I have copied/paste special data from one spreadsheet to another in order to
compare and match the data on this second spreadsheet.

The data I have copied appears like this in the cell - 123456
but in the formula bar appears like this - '123456

I want to match data from the other sheet where the cell entry is - 123456
and is like this in both cell and formula bar.

I have six hundred rows of data to match using an IF formula but as the the
data in the formula bar is different the data won't match. Is there anyway of
removing the ' character prior to the numerical data in the copied cell
without having to enter each cell and remove it. I've tried a find & replace
search but that won't recognise the ' character within the copied cell.

Hope you can help.