How it works.
BIN2DEC converts up to a 10-bit binary value (with two's complement sign bit handling) into a decimal number.
Formula syntax.
Standard Excel Notation=BIN2DEC(number)[like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.Formula arguments.
Every parameter accepted by the BIN2DEC function is detailed below.
Binary string or number (max 10 characters).
Example value:"1100"Simple example.
Step-by-Step ScenarioHardware Register - Binary to Decimal
Convert 4-bit and 8-bit binary registers to decimal integers.
| Binary Register | Decimal Value |
|---|---|
| 1100 | — |
| 1111 | — |
| 10000000 | — |
=BIN2DEC(A2)Evaluates BIN2DEC over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell B2.
Formula generator.
Full Generator WizardCustomize the argument fields below to generate a tailored BIN2DEC formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.
=BIN2DEC()Expected result behavior.
Returns number 12 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.
Best Practices
- Wrap binary inputs with leading zeros in quotation marks to prevent Excel from trimming leading zeros.
Common Mistakes
- If the input contains digits other than 0 and 1, or exceeds 10 characters, BIN2DEC returns #NUM!.
Platform & version compatibility.
Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.
Core standard function supported across all modern and legacy Microsoft Excel versions (365, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010), as well as Excel for the Web and Mac.
100% compatible with Google Sheets. Uses identical argument order, data types, and standard calculation logic.
Frequently asked questions.
Technical Q&ACan I use BIN2DEC across different worksheets in Excel?↓
Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =BIN2DEC(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.
What is the most common reason for errors in BIN2DEC?↓
If the input contains digits other than 0 and 1, or exceeds 10 characters, BIN2DEC returns #NUM!.
Does BIN2DEC work identically in Google Sheets?↓
Yes, BIN2DEC is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.