BITXOR Function
The BITXOR function performs bitwise XOR operations on two numbers. Master BITXOR for binary operations, encryption, and data manipulation.
Excel
Google SheetsExcelGoogle Sheets=BITXOR(number1, number2)Quick Answer
BITXOR function BITXOR function performs a bitwise XOR (exclusive OR) operation on two decimal numbers. It returns a decimal number where each bit is 1 if the corresponding bits differ, and 0 if they are the same.
=BITXOR(number1, number2)Practical Examples
Basic XOR Operation
Simple bitwise XOR between two numbers
Data Validation with XOR
Using XOR to detect data changes or errors
Toggle Bit Pattern
Toggle specific bits using XOR with a mask
XOR Encryption Basic
Simple encryption using XOR with a key
Combining with Other Bit Functions
Using BITXOR with BITAND and BITOR for complex operations
Common Errors and Solutions
BITXOR returns #NUM! error
Number argument is less than 0 or greater than or equal to 2^48 (281,474,976,710,656)
Ensure both arguments are within the valid range of 0 to 281,474,976,710,655. Add data validation or use IF statements to check number ranges before applying BITXOR
Add data validation or use IF statements to check number ranges before applying BITXOR
Example:
BITXOR returns #VALUE! error
Non-numeric value provided as argument
Convert text to numbers using VALUE() function or ensure cells contain numeric values. Use ISNUMBER() to validate input before calculation
Use ISNUMBER() to validate input before calculation
Example:
BITXOR returns unexpected values
Decimal numbers are truncated to integers before XOR operation
Use INT() or ROUND() to explicitly control number conversion. Ensure input values are integers or use INT() function for clarity
Ensure input values are integers or use INT() function for clarity
Example:
Best Practices and Advanced Tips
Understanding Binary Representation
Always convert numbers to binary mentally or using DEC2BIN to understand XOR results. Each bit position is compared independently: 0 XOR 0 = 0, 1 XOR 1 = 0, 0 XOR 1 = 1, 1 XOR 0 = 1.
XOR Self-Inverse Property
A XOR B XOR B = A. This property makes XOR perfect for encryption/decryption with the same key. Use =BITXOR(BITXOR(data, key), key) to demonstrate encryption and decryption.
Combining with DEC2BIN and BIN2DEC
For visualization, use =DEC2BIN(BITXOR(BIN2DEC(binary1), BIN2DEC(binary2))) to see XOR operations in binary format.
Platform Limits
BITXOR works with numbers up to 2^48. For larger numbers, results will be incorrect. Excel 2013+ and Google Sheets support this function.
Practical Applications
BITXOR is fundamental in computer science but has practical spreadsheet uses: data comparison, simple checksum validation, and toggling boolean flags stored as numbers.
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Example Excel formula:
Related Formulas
The BIN2DEC function converts binary numbers to decimal format instantly. Master binary-to-decimal conversion in Excel with practical examples and solutions.
ExcelSheetsThe BITAND function performs bitwise AND operations on two numbers. Master BITAND for binary operations, permission systems, and data manipulation.
ExcelSheetsThe BITOR function performs bitwise OR operations on two numbers. Master BITOR for binary operations, permission systems, and data manipulation.
ExcelSheetsThe DEC2BIN function converts decimal numbers to binary format. Learn syntax, examples, and solutions for common errors in Excel and Sheets.
ExcelSheets