CONVERT Function in Excel
Master Excel's CONVERT function for unit conversions. Learn syntax, examples for temperature, distance, weight, and volume conversions.
Excel
Google SheetsExcelGoogle Sheets=CONVERT(number, from_unit, to_unit)Quick Answer
CONVERT function CONVERT function converts numbers from one measurement system to another in Excel and Google Sheets. Use `=CONVERT(number, from_unit, to_unit)` to instantly convert between 100+ units across 13 categories including temperature, distance, weight, volume, energy, and more. Essential for international data standardization and scientific calculations.
=CONVERT(number, from_unit, to_unit)Practical Examples
Basic Temperature Conversion
Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius for weather data analysis
Distance Conversion for Logistics
Convert miles to kilometers for international shipping calculations
Weight Conversion for Manufacturing
Convert pounds to kilograms for product specifications
Volume Conversion for Liquid Measurements
Convert gallons to liters for chemical processing
Energy Conversion for Power Analysis
Convert BTU to kilowatt-hours for utility billing
Nested Conversion with Error Handling
Multi-step conversion with validation for international pharmaceutical dosing
Common Errors and Solutions
CONVERT cannot recognize the unit abbreviation
The from_unit or to_unit text string doesn't match Excel's recognized unit codes, or you're attempting to convert between incompatible measurement types (e.g., temperature to distance)
1. Verify unit abbreviations are exact (case-sensitive): use 'mi' not 'miles' 2. Check both units belong to the same measurement category 3. Refer to Excel's unit code reference (F2 to see available codes) 4. Ensure text is in quotes: =CONVERT(100,"mi","km") not =CONVERT(100,mi,km)
Always use IFERROR wrapper: =IFERROR(CONVERT(A2,"F","C"),"Check Units"). Create a unit code reference table on a separate sheet for team consistency.
Example:
CONVERT receives incompatible data types
The number argument contains text, date, or non-numeric value, or the unit arguments are not text strings, or attempting to convert between incompatible measurement systems
1. Use ISNUMBER() to verify the first argument is numeric 2. Wrap unit codes in quotes: "mi" not mi 3. Check for hidden spaces or special characters in unit codes 4. Use VALUE() to convert text numbers: =CONVERT(VALUE(A2),"kg","lbm")
Implement data validation on input cells to restrict to numeric values only. Use formula: =AND(ISNUMBER(A2),NOT(ISBLANK(A2)))
Excel doesn't recognize the CONVERT function
Function name is misspelled, or you're using Excel version older than Excel 97, or the Analysis ToolPak add-in is not enabled (older Excel versions only)
1. Check spelling: it's CONVERT not CONVERTION or CONVERTTO 2. For Excel 2007 and earlier: Enable Analysis ToolPak via File > Options > Add-ins 3. Update to newer Excel version if using pre-1997 version 4. Verify function syntax matches your Excel version
Use Excel's formula autocomplete (start typing =CONV and select from dropdown) to avoid typos
Conversion produces unexpected or incorrect values
Using wrong unit codes (e.g., 'lb' vs 'lbm' for weight), mixing US customary and imperial units, or decimal precision issues in complex calculations
1. Double-check unit codes - 'gal' is US gallon (3.785L), 'uk_gal' is imperial (4.546L) 2. For weight: use 'lbm' (pound-mass) not 'lb' 3. For temperature: ensure you're using 'F' (Fahrenheit) not 'Fah' 4. Use ROUND to control decimal places: =ROUND(CONVERT(A2,"mi","km"),2)
Create a reference table with correct unit codes and test formulas with known conversion values (e.g., 0°C = 32°F)
Advanced Tips and Best Practices
Unit Code Quick Reference
Excel supports over 100 unit codes across 13 categories. Common categories: Weight (g, kg, lbm, ozm, ton), Distance (m, km, mi, yd, ft, in), Temperature (C, F, K), Volume (l, gal, qt, pt), Time (sec, min, hr, day, yr). Use Excel's Formula Builder (fx button) to see all available units for CONVERT.
Performance Optimization for Large Datasets
When converting thousands of rows, CONVERT is highly efficient compared to manual formulas. However, for repeated conversions of the same value, consider using a lookup table with pre-calculated values. CONVERT processes at approximately 50,000 calculations per second on modern hardware.
Temperature Conversion Limitation
CONVERT uses absolute temperature conversions. For temperature intervals (e.g., "5 degrees warmer"), you cannot use CONVERT directly. Use manual formulas: for Celsius intervals to Fahrenheit intervals, multiply by 9/5 without adding 32.
Google Sheets Compatibility
CONVERT works identically in Google Sheets with the same unit codes. All examples in this guide are cross-compatible. However, Google Sheets may have slight decimal precision differences (typically beyond 10 decimal places) due to different calculation engines.
Error-Proof Formula Pattern
Production spreadsheets should always wrap CONVERT in error handlers and validation. Best practice pattern: =IFERROR(IF(ISNUMBER(A2),CONVERT(A2,"mi","km"),"Invalid number"),"Conversion error"). This provides user-friendly messages instead of #N/A or #VALUE! errors.
Dynamic Unit Selection
Combine CONVERT with data validation dropdowns for user-friendly conversion tools. Create named ranges for unit lists, then use cell references: =CONVERT(A2,B2,C2) where B2 and C2 contain dropdown-selected units. This creates an interactive conversion calculator.
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Example Excel formula:
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