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N Function
Summary
The Excel N function converts a value to a number according to specific conversion rules. It returns the numeric value for numbers and dates, converts TRUE to 1 and FALSE to 0, preserves error values, and returns 0 for all other inputs like text.
Syntax
N(value)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| value | Any |
Yes | The value you want to convert to a number. Numbers return unchanged, dates become serial numbers, TRUE=1, FALSE=0, errors preserved, others=0 |
Using the N Function
The N function provides consistent numeric conversion for mixed data types. While Excel automatically handles most type conversions, N ensures predictable results across different input types, making it valuable for data processing and compatibility with other spreadsheet applications.
Common N Examples
Basic Number Conversion
=N(A1)If A1 contains 7, returns 7. If A1 contains 'Even', returns 0.
Logical Value Conversion
=N(TRUE)Converts TRUE to 1.
Date Serial Number
=N(DATE(2011,4,17))Returns 40650 (serial number for April 17, 2011).
Text Handling
=N("7")Returns 0 since it's text, not a number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
Unexpected 0 result
Cause: Input is text or unrecognized type
Solution: Use VALUE() function for text-to-number conversion
Wrong date serial number
Cause: Different Excel date system (1904 vs 1900)
Solution: Check File > Options > Advanced > 'Use 1904 date system'
Notes
- Provided mainly for compatibility with other spreadsheet applications
- Excel stores dates as sequential serial numbers starting from January 1, 1900 = 1
- Not typically needed in modern Excel formulas due to automatic type conversion
Compatibility
Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365
Not available in:
Content last reviewed: December 11, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+