How to Use DEC2BIN Function in Google Sheets

This guide will discuss how to use the DEC2BIN function in Google Sheets.

When we want to convert a decimal number to a signed binary format, we can easily do this using the DEC2BIN function in Google Sheets.

The rules for using the DEC2BIN function in Google Sheets are the following:

• The decimal number we want to convert must be an integer between -512 and 511. 
• If we do not specify the number of binary digits we want the results to have, the DEC2BIN function will use the minimum number of binary digits needed to represent the decimal number. 
• The maximum value for the number of binary digits is 10.
• The function automatically converts the given decimal number to the appropriate string input. For instance, the value 100 will become “100” and yield the same result.
• The function will ignore the significant_digits argument if the given decimal number is negative. 

Google Sheets offers various built-in functions enabling us to easily perform difficult tasks. This includes functions we can utilize to work with different number systems. 

One is the DEC2BIN function, which we can use to convert decimal numbers into signed binary numbers. 

In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to use the DEC2BIN function in Google Sheets. Additionally, we will explore the syntax and a real example of using the function.

Great! Let’s dive right in.

The Anatomy of the DEC2BIN Function

The syntax or the way we write the DEC2BIN function is as follows:

=DEC2BIN(decimal_number,[significant_digits])

• = the equal sign is how we start any function in Google Sheets.
• DEC2BIN() refers to our DEC2BIN  function. This function is used to convert decimal numbers into signed binary numbers.
• decimal_number is the only required argument. This refers to the decimal number we want to convert to a signed binary number, provided as a string or cell reference containing the value. The value must be a maximum of 511 if positive, and a minimum of -512 if negative. 
• significant_digits is an optional argument. This refers to the number of significant digits we want to ensure in the result. If omitted, the function will use a minimum number of digits necessary to represent the number. The maximum is 10.

Common Mistakes in Using DEC2BIN Function

The DEC2BIN function is generally easy to use, however, there might be some situations where it won’t work as expected. Therefore, it is important to take note of these things.

Firstly, we must be careful with the decimal number we input. If the decimal_number has a value greater than 511 or less than -512, the formula will return an error. 

Moreover, the function will only work with integer decimal numbers. The function will also return an error if we try to input a non-integer decimal number.

Secondly, the significant_digits argument must be a positive integer. If a decimal or non-numeric value is given, the function will return an error. 

Additionally, we must be mindful of the maximum number of binary digits we can specify for the result. If we input a larger number for the significant places, we will get an error. The function will return an incorrect conversion if the given value is too small.

Lastly, check for any syntax errors or typos in the formula. Ensure that we are using the correct function name and argument structure.

A Real Example of Using DEC2BIN Function in Google Sheets

Let’s say we have a data set containing decimal numbers. We want to convert the decimal numbers into signed binary numbers. Our initial data set would look like this:

The Binary Number System describes numeric values by two separate symbols, which are 1 and 0. This is commonly used in the digital world and mathematics.

A binary number is defined as a number that is expressed in the binary system or base 2 numeral system. Each digit in a binary number is referred to as a bit.

In this example, we want to convert the decimal numbers in the data set into binary numbers. We can easily complete this task using the DEC2BIN function.

We will use the formula below to perform our task:

=DEC2BIN(A2,4)

The first part of the formula refers to the required decimal_number argument. In this case, we simply selected A2 which is the cell containing the decimal number we want to convert.

The next part of the formula is the optional significant_digits argument. For instance, we want our results to have 4 significant digits. However, the formula ignores the significant_digits argument if the decimal number is negative.

Our final data set would look like this:

You can make your own copy of the spreadsheet above using the link below. 

Amazing! Now we can dive into the steps of using the DEC2BIN function in Google Sheets.

How to Use DEC2BIN Function in Google Sheets

1. First, we will create a new column in the data set to display the converted binary numbers.

2. We will select the first empty row to type in our formula. To start, we will type an equal sign and the function name. This will make our formula “=DEC2BIN(”.

3. Next, we will select the cell containing the decimal number we want to convert. In this case, our formula would be “=DEC2BIN(A2”.

4. Then, we will decide the significant numbers we want the resulting binary numbers to have. In this case, we will input “4” as our significant_digits argument. Thus, our final formula would be “=DEC2BIN(A2,4)”.

5. Next, we will press the Enter key to return the result.

6. Finally, we will drag down the Fill Handle tool to copy the formula and apply it to the rest of the cells. 

And tada! We have successfully used the DEC2BIN function in Google Sheets.

You can apply this guide whenever you need to convert decimal numbers into signed binary numbers. You can now use the DEC2BIN function and the various other Google Sheets formulas available to create great worksheets that work for you.

FAQs

1. What are other functions related to the DEC2BIN function?
There are many functions in Google Sheets we can utilize when working with different number systems.
We use the DEC2BIN function to convert decimal numbers into binary numbers. Moreover, we can use the OCT2HEX function when working with octal numbers. 
If we want to convert a decimal or binary number to a hexadecimal number and vice versa, we can utilize the HEX2DEC function or BIN2HEX function, respectively.   

2. Why did my DEC2BIN return a #NUM! error?
The DEC2BIN function returns a #NUM! error when the number of digits required is greater than the specified significant_digits. 

3. Can I use the DEC2BIN function when doing calculations?
Yes. However, you have to consider that any calculations using the result of DEC2BIN are in binary. 

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