CONVERT

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the CONVERT function in Excel, which is a powerful tool for converting a number from one measurement system to another. The CONVERT function is particularly useful for professionals working in fields such as engineering, science, and finance, where different units of measurement are frequently used. This article will provide you with everything you need to know about the CONVERT function, including its syntax, examples, tips and tricks, common mistakes, troubleshooting, and related formulae.

CONVERT Syntax

The syntax for the CONVERT function in Excel is as follows:

=CONVERT(number, from_unit, to_unit)

Where:

• number is the value you want to convert.
• from_unit is the unit of measurement for the number you want to convert.
• to_unit is the unit of measurement you want to convert the number to.

Both the from_unit and to_unit arguments must be entered as text strings, enclosed in double quotation marks. Excel supports a wide range of units for conversion, including length, weight, temperature, pressure, and more.

CONVERT Examples

Let’s look at some examples of how to use the CONVERT function in Excel:

1. Converting Length: To convert 10 meters to feet, you would use the following formula:

=CONVERT(10, “m”, “ft”)

This formula would return the value 32.8084, which is the equivalent of 10 meters in feet.

1. Converting Weight: To convert 5 kilograms to pounds, you would use the following formula:

=CONVERT(5, “kg”, “lbm”)

This formula would return the value 11.0231, which is the equivalent of 5 kilograms in pounds.

1. Converting Temperature: To convert 100 degrees Celsius to Fahrenheit, you would use the following formula:

=CONVERT(100, “C”, “F”)

This formula would return the value 212, which is the equivalent of 100 degrees Celsius in Fahrenheit.

1. Converting Pressure: To convert 1000 pascals to atmospheres, you would use the following formula:

=CONVERT(1000, “Pa”, “atm”)

This formula would return the value 0.0098692, which is the equivalent of 1000 pascals in atmospheres.

CONVERT Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the CONVERT function in Excel:

• When entering the from_unit and to_unit arguments, make sure to use the correct unit abbreviations supported by Excel. You can find a complete list of supported units in the Excel help documentation or by searching online.
• If you need to convert multiple values in a range, you can use the CONVERT function in combination with other functions like SUM, AVERAGE, or MAX to perform calculations on the converted values.
• When working with large datasets, consider using the CONVERT function in a separate column to store the converted values. This will make it easier to perform calculations and analyze the data in different units.
• Remember that the CONVERT function is not limited to converting between units of the same type. You can also use it to convert between different types of units, such as length and weight, as long as the conversion is mathematically possible.

Common Mistakes When Using CONVERT

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using the CONVERT function in Excel:

• Not using double quotation marks around the from_unit and to_unit arguments. Both arguments must be entered as text strings, so make sure to enclose them in double quotation marks.
• Using incorrect or unsupported unit abbreviations. Excel supports a wide range of units for conversion, but it’s important to use the correct abbreviations to avoid errors. Consult the Excel help documentation or search online for a list of supported units and their abbreviations.
• Attempting to convert between incompatible units. The CONVERT function can only perform conversions that are mathematically possible. For example, you cannot convert a length value to a weight value, as these units are not directly related.

Why Isn’t My CONVERT Function Working?

If you’re having trouble getting the CONVERT function to work in Excel, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Double-check the syntax of your formula, making sure you have entered the correct number of arguments and used the appropriate unit abbreviations.
2. Ensure that you have enclosed the from_unit and to_unit arguments in double quotation marks, as they must be entered as text strings.
3. Verify that the units you are trying to convert between are compatible and that the conversion is mathematically possible.
4. If you’re still having trouble, consult the Excel help documentation or search online for additional resources and examples related to the CONVERT function.

CONVERT: Related Formulae

Here are some related formulae that you might find useful when working with the CONVERT function in Excel:

1. TEXT: The TEXT function allows you to format a number as text, using a specified format. This can be useful when displaying converted values with the appropriate unit symbols.

=TEXT(CONVERT(10, “m”, “ft”), “0.00”) & ” ft”

2. IFERROR: The IFERROR function can be used to handle errors that may occur when using the CONVERT function, such as when converting between incompatible units.

=IFERROR(CONVERT(A1, “m”, “lbm”), “Invalid conversion”)

3. ROUND: The ROUND function can be used to round the result of a CONVERT function to a specified number of decimal places.

=ROUND(CONVERT(10, “m”, “ft”), 2)

4. CONCATENATE: The CONCATENATE function can be used to combine the result of a CONVERT function with other text or values, such as unit symbols or labels.

=CONCATENATE(CONVERT(10, “m”, “ft”), ” ft”)

5. CHOOSE: The CHOOSE function can be used to create a custom conversion table, allowing you to convert between units that are not supported by the CONVERT function.

=A1 * CHOOSE(MATCH(B1, {“unit1”, “unit2”, “unit3”}, 0), factor1, factor2, factor3)

By mastering the CONVERT function and its related formulae, you can greatly enhance your ability to work with different units of measurement in Excel, making your spreadsheets more versatile and accurate.