The BIN2DEC function with example in Excel

The BIN2DEC function in Excel converts a binary number to a decimal number.

Syntax

scss
BIN2DEC(number)

• number: The binary number you want to convert to decimal. This can be a string or a reference to a cell containing the binary number. The binary number can have up to 10 characters (bits), where the most significant bit is the sign bit.

Example

Suppose you have a binary number and you want to convert it to a decimal number.

Data:

A	B
Binary	Decimal
1010
1111
100000

Steps to Use the BIN2DEC Function:

1. Enter the Binary Numbers:

   • In cells A2 to A4, enter the binary numbers: 1010, 1111, 100000.

2. Use the BIN2DEC Function:

   • In cell B2, enter the following formula:

     scss
     =BIN2DEC(A2)
     

   • Drag the fill handle from B2 down to B4 to apply the formula to the other cells in column B.

Result:

After entering the formula and dragging the fill handle, the decimal equivalents will be displayed in column B.

A	B
Binary	Decimal
1010	10
1111	15
100000	32

Explanation

• =BIN2DEC(A2) converts the binary number 1010 to its decimal equivalent 10.
• =BIN2DEC(A3) converts the binary number 1111 to its decimal equivalent 15.
• =BIN2DEC(A4) converts the binary number 100000 to its decimal equivalent 32.

Additional Examples

Example with a Negative Binary Number

In binary representation with a sign bit, a 10-bit binary number can represent negative values. For example, 1111111110 represents -2 in decimal.

• In cell A5, enter 1111111110.

• In cell B5, enter the formula:

  scss
  =BIN2DEC(A5)
  

Result:

A	B
Binary	Decimal
1111111110	-2

The formula =BIN2DEC(A5) converts the binary number 1111111110 to its decimal equivalent -2.

Summary

The BIN2DEC function is a handy tool in Excel for converting binary numbers to their decimal equivalents, supporting both positive and negative values when working with binary numbers in computing and digital electronics contexts.