DECIMAL
The DECIMAL function converts a text representation of a number in a specified base into its decimal equivalent. It is useful for transforming numbers from different numeral systems into base 10. This function requires two arguments: the text string and the base.

Example explanation
Cells in column B use the DECIMAL function to convert the binary numbers in column A to a decimal number. Cells in column E use the DECIMAL function to convert the hexadecimal numbers in column D to a decimal number.
Syntax 🔗
=DECIMAL(Text
, Radix
)
Text | The text representation of the number in the specified base. |
Radix | The base of the number system used in the text. Must be an integer between 2 and 36. |
About DECIMAL 🔗
If you need to work with numbers in different bases, such as binary, octal, or hexadecimal, the DECIMAL function in Excel can help. It converts numbers from any base to the decimal system, allowing you to perform calculations with ease.
To use the DECIMAL function, provide the text representation of the number in its base and specify the radix (base) of the number system. The function then converts this text to a decimal number, making it easy to include in your calculations or analyses.
The DECIMAL function is flexible and supports various number systems, from binary (base 2) to hexadecimal (base 16) and more, making it useful in different numerical scenarios.
With the DECIMAL function, you can easily convert numbers between different bases, ensuring accurate numeric representations and enhancing your spreadsheet calculations with robust numerical capabilities.
Examples 🔗
Suppose you have the binary number '10101' that you want to convert to decimal. The DECIMAL formula would be:
=DECIMAL("10101", 2)
This will return the decimal equivalent of the binary number '10101'.
Consider you have the octal number '56' that you wish to convert to decimal. The DECIMAL formula would be:
=DECIMAL("56", 8)
This will provide the decimal representation of the octal number '56'.
Notes 🔗
Make sure the text representation of the number in the selected base matches the specified radix to achieve correct decimal conversions. The DECIMAL function supports radix values from 2 to 36, enabling a variety of base conversions in Excel.
Questions 🔗
The radix parameter in the DECIMAL function denotes the base of the number system used in the input text representation. It is crucial for accurately interpreting the numerical value embedded in the text and converting it to the decimal system.
Can the DECIMAL function handle conversions from hexadecimal numbers?Yes, the DECIMAL function can handle conversions from hexadecimal numbers, as well as numbers in any base between 2 and 36. By specifying the appropriate radix value corresponding to the hexadecimal base (16), you can seamlessly convert hexadecimal representations to decimal.
In what scenarios would one typically use the DECIMAL function in Excel?The DECIMAL function is commonly employed when working with numbers represented in various bases, such as binary, octal, or hexadecimal, and necessitates converting them to decimal for arithmetic operations or data analysis in Excel.
Related functions 🔗
BIN2DEC
BIN2HEX
BIN2OCT
DEC2BIN
DEC2HEX
DEC2OCT
HEX2BIN
HEX2DEC
HEX2OCT
OCT2BIN
OCT2DEC
OCT2HEX