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CONVERT Function
Summary
The Excel CONVERT function transforms numeric values between different measurement systems, enabling seamless unit conversions across distance, weight, temperature, volume, and many other categories. Perfect for international data analysis and scientific calculations.
Syntax
CONVERT(number, from_unit, to_unit)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| number | Number |
Yes | The numeric value you want to convert |
| from_unit | Text |
Yes | Source unit identifier (case-sensitive) |
| to_unit | Text |
Yes | Destination unit identifier (case-sensitive) |
Using the CONVERT Function
CONVERT excels at standardizing measurements across different systems. Use it for engineering projects, international trade analysis, recipe scaling, scientific research, or any scenario requiring unit consistency.
Common CONVERT Examples
Basic Weight Conversion
=CONVERT(1, "lbm", "kg")Converts 1 pound to kilograms (returns 0.4535924)
Temperature Conversion
=CONVERT(68, "F", "C")Converts 68°F to Celsius (returns 20)
Distance Conversion
=CONVERT(6, "mi", "km")Converts 6 miles to kilometers (returns 9.656064)
Volume Conversion
=CONVERT(6, "gal", "l")Converts 6 gallons to liters (returns 22.71741274)
Area Calculation (Nested)
=CONVERT(CONVERT(100,"ft","m"),"ft","m")Converts 100 sq ft to square meters (returns 9.290304)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#VALUE!
Cause: Invalid data type for number parameter
Solution: Ensure first argument is numeric
#N/A
Cause: Invalid or non-existent unit code
Solution: Check spelling and quotes - use exact codes from documentation
#N/A
Cause: Units from different categories
Solution: Convert within same category (distance→distance only)
#N/A
Cause: Binary prefix on unsupported unit
Solution: Remove binary prefix or use supported unit
Notes
- Units require double quotes: "m" not m
- Same category rule: distance↔distance, weight↔weight
- Metric prefixes work on most units: km, mm, MW, etc.
- Binary prefixes for bytes: KiB, MiB, GiB
- Available in Excel 2007 and later versions
Compatibility
Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365
Not available in: Excel 2003, Excel XP, Excel 2000, Excel 97
Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+