How to remove numbers from expense descriptions in Excel

When using Unscatter, removing numbers from your expenses helps to ensure data privacy. Numbers often represent order IDs or store locations which you'll want to keep private.

This is the function to use in Excel or Google Sheets:

=SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE( SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(A1, "0", ""), "1", ""), "2", ""), "3", ""), "4", ""), "5", ""), "6", ""), "7", ""), "8", ""), "9", "")

It looks like a lot, but it's really simple - we're just replacing number with a blank.

Step 1. Set up expense descriptions

First, create a new sheet and paste all your expenses starting in cell A1. Using A1 is important because the function looks there for the first expense description.

Step 2. Apply function

Paste the function above in cell B1 and press enter. Then drag it down with the fill handle to apply it to all of your expenses.

Step 3. View results

Double check that the results look good. If they do, copy the data from column B into Unscatter and begin categorizing your expenses!