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PowerShell Type Conversion

Type conversion is changing a value from one kind to another. A type is the kind of a value, such as a number or a string.

Convert to a whole number

An int cast turns a decimal into a whole number. It rounds to the nearest whole number.

[int]3.9
[int]3.2

Convert a number to text

A string cast turns a number into text. The printed result looks the same, but its kind has changed.

[string]42
[string]3.5

Let PowerShell convert on its own

Adding a number and a digit string gives a number. Adding text and a number gives text.

1 + "2"
"a" + 1

Example

$ageText = "31"
$age = [int]$ageText
$age
$age + 1

Key points

  • Type: the kind of a value, such as a number or a string.
  • Cast: write a type name in square brackets in front of a value to convert it.
  • To number: an int cast turns a decimal or a digit string into a whole number.
  • To text: a string cast turns a number into text.
  • Automatic: PowerShell sometimes converts a value on its own when two kinds are combined.

In this example, the first line stores an age as text. The second line converts that text into a whole number. The last two lines print the age and the age plus one.

Note

an int cast rounds a decimal to the nearest whole number. It does not cut off the decimal part.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated

Exercise

What is [int]3.9?