How to Convert Measurements in Excel with the CONVERT Function

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Use the CONVERT function to change measurement units in Excel
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Excel’s CONVERT function converts a measurement from one unit to another. First, learn how to enter the CONVERT function manually or with Excel's Formula builder, then discover how to apply that conversion to an entire column of data. Don't forget that unit names are case-sensitive!

Quick Steps

  1. Type a number that you want to convert into a cell.
  2. Click another cell and type "=CONVERT(".
  3. Type the name of the first cell and add a comma.
  4. Type the measurement you're converting from between quotes, then add a comma.
  5. Type the measurement you're converting to between quotes.
  6. Add the closing ")."
  7. Press Enter to run the formula.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Entering a CONVERT Function Manually

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  1. For the purposes of this example, let's assume that the measurement you want to convert is in column A and you'd like to see the conversion results in column B (but really, this method will work for any two columns). To label column A, click on cell A1 and type in the original unit (the one you'd like converted, e.g., inches, meters, or yards). This is also called the "from_unit."
    • For example, click on cell A1 and type "Inches". In this example, we will convert 12 (number) inches (from_unit) to feet (to_unit).
    • Excel’s convert function converts a "from unit" into a "to unit" (the unit you are converting the measurement to).
    • Labeling your columns will help you organize your data.
  2. Click on cell B1. This will be your "to_unit" column. Type in the unit you are converting the measurement to. This is also called the "to_unit".
    • For example: click on cell B1 and type "Feet". [1]
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  3. Type in the original measurement in numbers only. Do not enter the units.
    • For example, in cell A2, enter "12" (as in 12 inches). [2]
  4. Functions in Excel are not case-sensitive. Typing "=CONVERT(" has the same result as typing "=convert(".
  5. Excel's convert function calls this value the "number".
    • For example, "=CONVERT(A2".
    • When you are converting a single measurement, as in the example above, it is also possible to type an actual number (not a cell reference) in this spot. Instead of "=CONVERT(A2", you would enter "=CONVERT(12".
  6. For example, your cell may now look like this: "=CONVERT(A2," or "=CONVERT(12,".
  7. The "from_unit" is enclosed by a set of quotation marks and is followed by a comma.
  8. The "to_unit" is enclosed by a set of quotation marks followed by a closing parenthesis.
    • For example, your cell should look something like: "=CONVERT(A2, "in", "ft")" or "=CONVERT(12, "in", "ft")".
    • This example function will convert the contents of cell A2 from inches to feet.
  9. The converted measurement will appear in your cell (in this case, cell B2).
    • For example: B2 will contain "1" (as in 1 foot). [3]
    • If the function returns the "#N/A" error, check the unit abbreviations again. Make sure the abbreviation is correct and that the two units belong to the same group (for example, it is not possible to convert mass into length). Please note, unit names and prefixes ARE case-sensitive.
    • If the function returns the "#VALUE!" error, this means you have entered the "number" incorrectly. Make sure you have only entered one value or cell reference. [4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Applying the CONVERT Function to Multiple Cells

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  1. For this example, let's assume that in addition to entering an original measurement in cell A2, you also filled cells A3 and A4 with a measurement. You've already converted the measurement in cell A2 by entering a CONVERT formula in cell B2. You can quickly convert the rest of your measurements (the ones in A3 and A4) by dragging the formula down into the cells in column B.
    • For example, in cell A2, you entered "1"; in cell A3, you entered "5"; in cell A4, you entered "10". The convert function you entered in cell B2 reads: "=CONVERT(A2, "in", "cm")".
    • When you are converting multiple measurements, you must enter the cell's name instead of your measurement in the "number" space.
  2. When you select a cell, a small, gray square appears in the lower right corner.
  3. Only select as many cells in column B as are filled with original measurements in column A.
    • For example, since you entered measurements in cells A3 and A4, you will select cells B3 and B4.
    • Alternatively, you may apply the convert function to multiple cells using the "fill" method. After you've selected cell B2, hold down ⇧ Shift and select your cells from Column B. You should select all the cells that have corresponding measurements in column A. Click the "Home" tab. Select "Fill" then select "Down." The converted measurements will appear in column B.
  4. The measurements listed in column A will be converted and appear in column B.
    • For example, you will see "2.54" in cell B2; "12.7" in cell B3; and "25.4" in cell B4. [5]
    • If the function returns the "#N/A" error, check the unit abbreviations again. Make sure the abbreviation is correct and that the two units belong to the same group (for example, it is not possible to convert mass into length). Please note, unit names and prefixes ARE case-sensitive.
    • If the function returns the "#VALUE!" error, this means you have entered the "number" incorrectly. Make sure you have only entered one value or cell reference. [6]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Inserting the CONVERT Function

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  1. For the purposes of this example, let's assume that the measurement you want to convert is in column A and you'd like to see the conversion results in column B (but in reality, this method will work for any two columns). Click on cell A1 and type in the original unit (the one you'd like converted, e.g., seconds, hours, or days). This is also called the "from_unit."
    • For example, type "Minutes" into cell A1. In this example, we will convert 21 (number) minutes (from_unit) to seconds (to_unit).
    • Excel’s convert function converts a measurement from its original unit, or "from unit," into a "to-unit" (the unit you're converting the measurement to).
    • Labeling your columns will help you organize your data.
  2. Click on cell B1. This will serve as your "to_unit" column. Type in the unit you are converting the measurement to (e.g., seconds or days).
    • For example: enter "Seconds" into cell B1. [7]
  3. Type in the original measurement in numbers only. Do not enter the units.
    • For example: in cell A2, enter "21" (as in 21 minutes). [8]
  4. In our example, this is cell B2.
  5. It's at the top of the screen, between Page Layout and Data .
  6. This will open the Insert Function dialog box, which allows you to choose the formula you want to add to your Excel sheet from a list.
  7. If you don't see it on the list of available functions, search for "convert" in the search bar.
  8. For a single conversion, as in this example, you may also type the actual measurement ("21") instead of the cell name.
    • In this example, you would write "A2" in the "Number" field.
  9. Enter the approved abbreviated form of the original unit.
  10. Type the approved abbreviation for the "to_unit."
    • For example, type "sec" (the abbreviation for seconds).
  11. The converted measurement will appear in your cell (in this case, cell B2).
    • For example, in cell B2, you will see "1260" (as in 1260 seconds). [9]
    • If you receive a "#N/A" error, check the unit abbreviations again. Make sure the abbreviation is correct and that the two units belong to the same group (for example, it is not possible to convert time into length). Please note, unit names and prefixes ARE case-sensitive.
    • If you get a "#VALUE!" error, you may have entered the "number" incorrectly. Make sure you have only entered one value or cell reference. [10]
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  • Question
    How can I convert numbers with units to simple numbers without units in a cell?
    Community Answer
    Right click on the cell you want to edit and click 'convert to simple number without units'.
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    How do I convert steps to miles?
    Community Answer
    First, you would have to determine the length of your stride. Then, multiply the length of your stride by your steps. This will give you the distance in inches. Then use =CONVERT('distance in inches',"in","mi"). This should do it. So, cell A1 = 36 (stride in inches), cell A2 = 6125 (steps taken), cell A3 =A1*A2 (distance in inches), In cell B3 =CONVERT(A3,"IN","mi").
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      Tips

      • In some older versions of Excel, the CONVERT function is not installed by default and is instead part of the optional "Analysis Add-in" tool pack. To install this pack, select Tools > Add-ins and put a check mark beside "Analysis Toolpack." You may be asked to provide the installation CD.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/CONVERT-function-d785bef1-808e-4aac-bdcd-666c810f9af2
      2. ↑ https://www.extendoffice.com/documents/excel/706-excel-unit-conversion.html#kutools
      3. ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/CONVERT-function-d785bef1-808e-4aac-bdcd-666c810f9af2
      4. ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/How-to-correct-a-VALUE-error-15E1B616-FBF2-4147-9C0B-0A11A20E409E?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US
      5. ↑ https://www.extendoffice.com/documents/excel/706-excel-unit-conversion.html#kutools
      6. ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/How-to-correct-a-VALUE-error-15E1B616-FBF2-4147-9C0B-0A11A20E409E?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US
      7. ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/CONVERT-function-d785bef1-808e-4aac-bdcd-666c810f9af2
      8. ↑ https://www.extendoffice.com/documents/excel/706-excel-unit-conversion.html#kutools
      9. ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/CONVERT-function-d785bef1-808e-4aac-bdcd-666c810f9af2
      1. ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/How-to-correct-a-VALUE-error-15E1B616-FBF2-4147-9C0B-0A11A20E409E?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US

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