IMAGINARY Function in Excel
The IMAGINARY function extracts the imaginary coefficient from a complex number in x+yi or x+yj text format.
Excel
Google SheetsExcelGoogle Sheets=IMAGINARY(inumber)Quick Answer
IMAGINARY function IMAGINARY function extracts the imaginary coefficient from a complex number in x+yi or x+yj text format. The syntax is `=IMAGINARY(inumber)` where inumber is a complex number in text format.
=IMAGINARY(inumber)Practical Examples
Basic Imaginary Coefficient Extraction
Extract the imaginary part from a simple complex number
Negative Imaginary Coefficient
Extract negative imaginary coefficient from complex number
Pure Real Number (Zero Imaginary Part)
Extract imaginary part when it equals zero
Using COMPLEX Function Output
Extract imaginary part from COMPLEX function result
Engineering Circuit Analysis
Extract imaginary impedance component for AC circuit calculations
Signal Processing Application
Extract imaginary component from Fourier transform result
Error Handling with IFERROR
Safely extract imaginary coefficient with error handling
Common Errors and Solutions
IMAGINARY returns #NUM! error
The text string provided is not recognized as a valid complex number format
Ensure the complex number is in x+yi or x+yj format. Check for spaces or invalid characters. Use COMPLEX function to generate properly formatted complex numbers.
Always use quotes around complex number text or reference cells containing COMPLEX function results
Example:
IMAGINARY returns #VALUE! error
The inumber parameter is not a text string or is completely invalid
Convert your input to text format using quotes or ensure cell contains text. If using numeric values, convert them with COMPLEX function first.
Use =IMAGINARY(COMPLEX(real_part, imaginary_part)) when working with separate numeric values
IMAGINARY returns #NAME? error
IMAGINARY function is not available in your Excel version, or Analysis ToolPak is not enabled
Enable Analysis ToolPak: File > Options > Add-ins > Analysis ToolPak. For older Excel versions, ensure you have the necessary add-in installed.
Verify Excel version supports engineering functions (Excel 2013 or later has built-in support)
Best Practices and Advanced Tips
Understanding Complex Number Format
IMAGINARY accepts complex numbers in the form 'x+yi' or 'x+yj'. The 'i' suffix is mathematical notation while 'j' is common in engineering. Both produce identical results.
Combining with Other Complex Functions
Use IMAGINARY with COMPLEX to work with separate real and imaginary parts: =IMAGINARY(COMPLEX(A1,B1)). This is more flexible when components are calculated separately.
Engineering Applications
In electrical engineering, IMAGINARY extracts the reactive component of impedance. For a circuit with impedance Z=R+jX, use =IMAGINARY(COMPLEX(R,X)) to find the imaginary part.
Text Format Required
IMAGINARY requires the complex number as text. Entering =IMAGINARY(3+4i) without quotes will cause an error. Always use =IMAGINARY("3+4i") or reference cells containing text.
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