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OCT2BIN Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The Excel OCT2BIN function converts octal (base-8) numbers to their binary (base-2) representation. This engineering function is essential for handling number system conversions in technical calculations and digital electronics work.

Syntax

OCT2BIN(number, [places])

Parameters

Parameter Type Required Description
number Octal Number Yes Required octal number for conversion (1-10 characters). Positive: ≤777, Negative: ≥7777777000
places Integer No Optional. Specifies exact binary digits to return, padding with leading zeros if needed

Using the OCT2BIN Function

OCT2BIN is perfect for digital electronics, computer science, and engineering applications where octal-to-binary conversion is needed. Use it to analyze digital signals, convert legacy system data, or perform bitwise operations.

Common OCT2BIN Examples

Basic Positive Conversion

=OCT2BIN(3, 3)

Converts octal 3 to 3-digit binary: 011

Negative Number (Two's Complement)

=OCT2BIN(7777777000)

Converts negative octal to 10-digit binary: 1000000000

Minimal Padding

=OCT2BIN(10)

Converts octal 10 to binary 2 (minimal digits)

Frequently Asked Questions

Negative numbers always return 10-character binary using two's complement, ignoring the places argument.

Positive: 0 to 777 (octal), Negative: 7777777000 to 7777777777 (octal).

Yes, use the places argument to specify exact character count with leading zeros.

Common Errors and Solutions

#NUM!

Cause: Octal number out of valid range

Solution: Ensure positive ≤777, negative ≥7777777000

#NUM!

Cause: Result needs more characters than places allows

Solution: Increase places value or omit it

#VALUE!

Cause: Places argument is non-numeric

Solution: Use integer for places parameter

#NUM!

Cause: Places argument is negative

Solution: Places must be zero or positive integer

Notes

  • Number parameter limited to 10 characters
  • Most significant bit is sign bit
  • Places truncated to integer if decimal
  • Negative results always 10 characters regardless of places

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in: Excel 2003 and earlier

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+