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IMDIV Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The Excel IMDIV function calculates the quotient (result of division) between two complex numbers expressed in x+yi format. It performs complex number division and returns the result as a complex number in standard rectangular form.

Syntax

IMDIV(inumber1, inumber2)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
inumber1	`Complex Number`	Yes	Required complex number serving as the numerator in the division operation
inumber2	`Complex Number`	Yes	Required complex number serving as the denominator in the division operation

Using the IMDIV Function

IMDIV enables precise division of complex numbers, essential for electrical engineering, physics, and advanced mathematical computations. Complex numbers appear frequently in AC circuit analysis, signal processing, and quantum mechanics calculations.

Common IMDIV Examples

Basic Complex Division

=IMDIV("-238+240i","10+24i")

Divides the complex number -238+240i by 10+24i, returning the quotient 5+12i

Using COMPLEX Helper Function

=IMDIV(COMPLEX(-238,240),COMPLEX(10,24))

Creates complex numbers from real/imaginary parts and divides them, producing identical result: 5+12i

Frequently Asked Questions

Complex numbers must be in text format as 'x+yi' or 'x+yj'. Use COMPLEX() function to create them from separate real/imaginary components.

#NUM! error is returned when attempting to divide by the complex number 0+0i.

Yes, IMDIV accepts both 'i' and 'j' imaginary unit notation interchangeably.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! Error

Cause: Invalid complex number format (wrong syntax or non-numeric coefficients)

Solution: Ensure complex numbers follow 'real+imaginaryi' format. Use COMPLEX() for validation.

#NUM! Error

Cause: Division by zero complex number (0+0i)

Solution: Verify denominator is not the zero complex number.

#NAME? Error

Cause: IMDIV function not recognized

Solution: Available only in Excel 2007 and later versions.

Notes

IMDIV follows the complex division formula: (a+bi)/(c+di) = [(ac+bd)+(bc-ad)i]/(c²+d²)
Use COMPLEX(real_num, i_num) to construct complex numbers from components
Result always returns in rectangular x+yi format
Part of Excel's 60+ Engineering Functions for complex number arithmetic

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Excel for Microsoft 365, Excel for Mac (2011+)

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+