Excel DEC2BIN and HEX2DEC Functions
last modified April 4, 2025
The DEC2BIN and HEX2DEC functions are essential for
working with number systems in Excel. DEC2BIN converts decimal
numbers to binary, while HEX2DEC converts hexadecimal to decimal.
This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to using these functions with
detailed examples. You'll learn syntax, practical applications, and important
limitations of these conversion functions.
Function Basics
DEC2BIN converts decimal numbers to binary representation, while
HEX2DEC converts hexadecimal numbers to decimal. These functions
are particularly useful in computer science and digital electronics.
| Function | Description | Syntax |
|---|---|---|
| DEC2BIN | Converts decimal to binary | =DEC2BIN(number, [places]) |
| HEX2DEC | Converts hexadecimal to decimal | =HEX2DEC(number) |
This table shows the basic information about both functions. DEC2BIN
has an optional places parameter to pad the result with leading zeros.
DEC2BIN Basic Example
This example demonstrates the simplest use of DEC2BIN to convert a
decimal number to its binary representation.
=DEC2BIN(10)
This formula converts the decimal number 10 to binary. The result will be "1010". The function automatically determines the minimum number of bits needed.
DEC2BIN with Places Parameter
The optional places parameter specifies the minimum number of characters in the result. This example shows how to pad the binary result with leading zeros.
=DEC2BIN(5, 8)
This formula converts decimal 5 to an 8-bit binary number. The result is "00000101". The places parameter ensures the output has exactly 8 characters.
HEX2DEC Basic Example
This example shows the basic usage of HEX2DEC to convert a
hexadecimal number to decimal.
=HEX2DEC("A")
This formula converts the hexadecimal value "A" (which equals 10 in decimal) to its decimal equivalent. The result will be 10. Both uppercase and lowercase hex digits work.
HEX2DEC with Multi-digit Hexadecimal
HEX2DEC can handle multi-digit hexadecimal numbers. This example
converts a two-digit hex value to decimal.
=HEX2DEC("FF")
This formula converts hexadecimal "FF" to decimal. The result is 255, which is the maximum value for an 8-bit unsigned integer. The function handles hex strings up to 10 characters.
DEC2BIN with Negative Numbers
DEC2BIN can represent negative numbers using two's complement
notation. This example shows how negative decimal numbers are converted.
=DEC2BIN(-5)
This formula converts decimal -5 to its 10-bit two's complement binary representation. The result is "1111111011". The function always uses 10 bits for negative numbers.
HEX2DEC with Large Values
HEX2DEC can handle large hexadecimal values. This example converts
a 10-character hex string to decimal.
=HEX2DEC("FFFFFFFFFE")
This formula converts the 10-character hex value "FFFFFFFFFE" to decimal. The result is -2. Negative values are represented using two's complement notation when the leftmost bit is 1.
DEC2BIN Limitations
DEC2BIN has specific limitations regarding input range and output
length. This example demonstrates these limits.
=DEC2BIN(511)
This formula converts the maximum positive decimal number (511) that
DEC2BIN can handle. The result is "111111111" (9 bits). For
negative numbers, the limit is -512. Attempting larger values returns #NUM!.
Combining DEC2BIN and HEX2DEC
These functions can be combined to convert between different number systems. This example converts hexadecimal to binary via decimal.
=DEC2BIN(HEX2DEC("A5"))
This formula first converts hex "A5" to decimal (165), then converts that to binary. The result is "10100101". This technique is useful when direct hex to binary conversion isn't available.
Practical Application Example
These functions are often used in digital systems. This example shows how to convert an IP address component from decimal to binary.
=DEC2BIN(192, 8)
This formula converts the decimal IP address component 192 to 8-bit binary "11000000". The places parameter ensures proper 8-bit formatting for each octet in an IP address.
The DEC2BIN and HEX2DEC functions are powerful tools
for number system conversions in Excel. While DEC2BIN handles
decimal to binary conversion with optional padding, HEX2DEC
converts hexadecimal to decimal. Understanding their limitations and combining
them can solve complex conversion problems in digital systems and programming.
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