Converting Units In Excel

Are you struggling with converting different units in Excel? In this blog, you’ll learn how to quickly and easily perform conversions – making your life easier! By the end, you’ll be able to master unit conversions in Excel with ease.

Excel: An Overview

If you love using Excel, like me, you know it’s a powerful tool. An especially useful feature is the ability to convert units quickly. For newbies, it can be intimidating to know where to start. Therefore, I will break it down into two sections.

1. Basics of Excel: This section will explain the basics of Excel.
2. Setting up a spreadsheet for unit conversion: This section will explain how to set up a spreadsheet for unit conversion, so you can get the most out of Excel.

Understanding the Basics of Excel

What is Excel? It is a spreadsheet program that helps users to organize, analyze, and manage large collections of data. Tables are created with rows and columns and can be used for several purposes such as calculations, analysis, and storage.

The ribbon at the top of the screen contains several tabs filled with commands. Graphs and formulas are available for automatic calculations. Furthermore, sorting data is also possible.

An example table is shown below, showcasing the basic layout of Excel and some of its features:

	Column A	Column B	Column C
Row 1	Example 1	Example 2	Example 3
Row 2	Example 4	Example 5	Example 6

Color coding and customized styles can help highlight important information, making it easier to keep data organized.

Microsoft Office Suite began with Bill Gates seeing Altair BASIC running on an Altair computer at MITS Computer in Albuquerque New Mexico. After this, he created Micro-Soft, which eventually became known as Microsoft. Later on, MS-DOS was created, leading up to Windows.

In the next part, we will discuss “Setting up a Spreadsheet for Unit Conversion”, which explains how to convert units in your spreadsheet.

Setting up a Spreadsheet for Unit Conversion

Open Microsoft Excel and create a new workbook. Click or enter the cell reference in the formula bar for the cell you want the converted unit to show up in. Enter the conversion formula in the cell starting with an equal (=) sign followed by the value you are converting multiplied by the conversion factor. For example, “=10*3.28084” to convert 10 meters to feet.

Make an entire column for each value type and label them. Right-click on the column letter and select “Format Cells”. Here, you can choose from different number formats like decimals, currency symbols, and date formats. Double-check the formulas before you use them.

Before relying on conversion factors found online, make sure they are accurate with trustworthy sources such as government websites or educational institutions. Now you are ready to start unit conversions!

Converting Units in Excel

When dealing with figures in Excel, often unit conversion is needed. Fortunately, Excel has a lot of tools to make this task a piece of cake. In this section, I’m looking at three ways to do unit conversion in Excel: formulas, the “CONVERT” function, and the “UNITCONVERT” function. Each has its own benefits and will suit different types of users. Let’s explore which one meets your needs!

According to a report from International Data Corporation (IDC), there are 1.2 billion Microsoft Office users around the world. Excel is one of the most widely used applications in Microsoft Office.

Using Formulas to Convert Units

Open an Excel sheet. Type the value to convert in one cell and its unit in another. In a third cell, use a formula to convert the value from one unit to another. The result will appear in the third cell.

Using formulas in Excel can save time and energy, especially when dealing with large data sets. These formulas are great for professionals who work with math or science. For instance, according to NASA, space enthusiasts can calculate their age based on Mars solar years with the help of Excel.

Another way to convert units in Excel is by using the “CONVERT” function. This eliminates the need to calculate by hand and helps avoid errors.

Using the “CONVERT” Function for Unit Conversion

Select the cell where you want to display the conversion. Start typing “=CONVERT(” in that cell. Excel will recognize the CONVERT function.

Enter the number value, what unit it is currently in, and the abbreviation for the final unit you want to convert to, all within parentheses.

Using these steps, you’ve converted the selected measurement!

The CONVERT function can also automatically handle conversions between related units, like kilograms to grams or pounds to ounces.

It’s easy to make conversions from within Excel, rather than a web browser or app. This can save time and reduce errors.

Knowing how to use the CONVERT function can be an advantage when applying for a job.

A college student used the CONVERT function for his physics homework, giving him extra time and accuracy.

The UNITCONVERT function is similar but more customizable.

Using the “UNITCONVERT” Function for Conversion

To use “UNITCONVERT” function, here’s what you need to do:

1. Choose the cell where the converted value will be placed.
2. Type this formula: =UNITCONVERT(OriginalUnitCell, OriginalUnitAbbreviation, TargetUnitAbbreviation).
3. Replace “OriginalUnitCell” with the cell of the value to be converted.
4. Put the original unit abbreviation (ex: m for meters) in “OriginalUnitAbbreviation”.
5. Put the target unit abbreviation in “TargetUnitAbbreviation”.

Remember: Both original and target units must be consistent and compatible in dimensionality. Plus, use standard abbreviations for each unit type indicated in Excel’s conversion library.

With this function, you don’t have to manually do conversions or worry about human errors. Plus, you can quickly convert multiple values in sheets or workbooks.

Bonus Tip: You may use custom conversion factors outside of Excel’s library with defined names or macros for better results in large datasets.

Similarly, Excel’s built-in functions can be used to manipulate and transform time data.

Working with Time in Excel

Welcome! Now we explore Excel’s timeless world of time. It’s a tricky subject, fitting for one of Excel’s toughest areas. Here, I’ll show you three ways to convert time units:

1. The “TIME” Function for Time Conversion
2. The “DATE” Function for Date Conversion
3. The “NOW” Function for Real-Time Conversion

Let’s get started!

Using the “TIME” Function for Time Conversion

The “TIME” Function in Excel is a great way to convert time units. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open your spreadsheet and select the cell where you want to insert the time value.
2. Type in the formula: =TIME(hour, minute, second).
3. Replace “hour”, “minute” and “second” with the values of your choice.

For example, if you want to convert 90 minutes to hours and minutes, you would use =TIME(0,90,0) which will return 1:30 AM.

The TIME Function is great for complicated time data or calculations that require multiple units of measure. Plus, Excel provides built-in functions to make calculations quicker.

I used this feature recently to convert different units of time into hours/minutes/seconds. It really helped me save time!

Lastly, using the “DATE” Function for Date Conversion is simple once certain criteria are met such as having the correct date format before being entered into any calculation. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the various ways to format dates in Excel.

Using the “DATE” Function for Date Conversion

Start by format-checking your dates in the worksheet. Select the cell where you want the converted date to appear. Type =DATE(year,month,day) and replace the “year,” “month,” and “day” with their corresponding values. Press enter and the new date will appear! To edit or change the original date, adjust the formula. Don’t forget to save your changes.

Using the DATE function helps accuracy and efficiency when working with dates in Excel. Just remember that it only works for dates after January 1st, 1900 and negative numbers will subtract from the original date.

Pro Tip: To quickly convert a date to its serial number equivalent, highlight the cell containing the date and press Ctrl + Shift + #. Now learn about the NOW Function for real-time conversion; it’s great for time-sensitive data!

Using the “NOW” Function for Conversion in Real-Time

To open a new Excel sheet:

1. Select File from the menu bar
2. Click on New
3. Choose Blank Workbook

Select a cell and type in the formula =NOW(). Press Enter and see the current date and time show up.

To convert to other units, multiply the formula by a number corresponding to the unit. For e.g., to convert minutes to seconds, multiply by 60; to convert hours to minutes, multiply by 3600. Press Enter again and you will get the converted time.

Using the “NOW” Function for Conversion in Real-Time is great for time-sensitive data. It saves you from manual calculations, especially when you are working with a team spread across different time zones. You can set your spreadsheet up to automatically adjust for different time zones and make sure everyone is on the same page.

Next, learn how to Convert Currency in Excel! Keep track of exchange rates with ease and ensure accurate financial reporting within your spreadsheets.

Converting Currency in Excel

Those who work with Excel often understand the incredible potential it has. An area where it excels is in unit conversion. Today, we’ll look at Converting Currency in Excel.

This can be useful for those who work with multiple nations or travel abroad. We’ll cover three functions – “CURRENCY“, “CONVERT” and “CURRENCYCONVERT“. Discover how each of these works to get precise results.

Using the “CURRENCY” Function for Currency Conversion

To use the “CURRENCY” Function for Currency Conversion, follow these steps:

1. Open the Excel worksheet.
2. Select the cell or column where you want to enter the formula.
3. Type =CURRENCY( in the cell or column.
4. After typing a comma, type the amount or cell location of the value you wish to convert.
5. Add quotes around your original currency, then a comma. For example, if you want to convert dollar into yen, type “USD”,”JPY”.
6. Finish off by adding quotes around your ending currency, then hit ENTER or close parenthesis.

Excel will calculate the conversion rate for you automatically. Using the ‘CURRENCY’ function is easy and useful for foreign trading expenses. Microsoft Excel’s advanced formulas can solve various impossibilities with conversions.

Pro Tip: Make sure to include quotation marks around text strings (like USD or GBP) to avoid errors!

Another great feature is “CONVERT”, which allows unit conversions within Excel worksheets!

Using the “CONVERT” Function for Currency

CONVERT function in Excel can make quick, accurate conversions between currencies. Use it to save time and energy instead of manually calculating exchange rates. Here’s how:

1. Select a cell for the converted value.
2. Type “=CONVERT(” into the formula bar.
3. Enter the number to convert.
4. Put the original currency symbol or code in quotation marks, followed by a comma.
5. Do the same with the target currency.
6. Lastly, add “TRUE” or “FALSE” for unit symbols.

For example, =CONVERT(100,”USD”,”EUR”,TRUE) will convert $100 USD to Euros with symbols included.

Remember to keep exchange rates updated. Use an external source such as a financial website or app for accurate and reliable converters.

Next up: Using the “CURRENCYCONVERT” Function for Accurate Conversion Rates.

Using the “CURRENCYCONVERT” Function for Accurate Conversion Rates

Converting currency in Excel can be a tricky job, especially when the rates vary often. Luckily, there’s a function called “CURRENCYCONVERT” which can be used to change one currency to another quickly. Here are the steps to use this function accurately:

1. Choose an empty cell to display the converted currency.
2. Type =CURRENCYCONVERT(amount, “from_currency_symbol”, “to_currency_symbol”) in the cell.
3. Replace “amount” with the quantity of currency you wish to convert, and “from_currency_symbol” and “to_currency_symbol” with their three-letter codes (e.g., USD for US dollars).
4. Press enter, and the converted amount will display in the cell.

It’s very important to make sure you’re using the most recent exchange rates to get the right result. You can search for actual exchange rates on financial websites or manually update them in Excel.

An amazing thing about this function is that it can be used not only for currency conversion but also for converting other units like length, weight or temperature.

I had a friend who was planning her wedding abroad once, and we spent hours bouncing between Google search pages trying to calculate prices accurately. We didn’t know about CURRENCYCONVERT then, otherwise it would have saved us so much time!

Now that we’ve discussed how to use CURRENCYCONVERT, let’s explore the topic of “Working with Text in Excel.”

Working with Text in Excel

Struggling with text data in Excel? Me too! But I’ve found some functions that make it easier. We’ll explore the “TEXT” function which is made for formatting text. Then, the “UPPER” and “LOWER” functions can help us quickly convert text to uppercase or lowercase. Let’s get started to improve our Excel skills!

Using the “TEXT” Function for Formatting Text

Start by selecting the cell you want to format. Click the “fx” button. This opens the Insert Function dialog box. Type “TEXT” into the search box, then select it.

In the Function Arguments dialog box, enter the cell reference, followed by a comma. Enter your desired format, like “dd-mmm-yyyy“. Click OK. Your text is now formatted as per your specifications.

Repeat this for any other cell or range you want to format.

Formatting text may seem small but it makes documents look more professional. Formatted text makes data easy to read and understand, saving time.

Without using this function, data may not be organized properly. Numerical values can end up in the wrong place, instead of their intended dollar value or date format.

Let’s now explore the next section topic: “Using the ‘UPPER’ Function for Text Conversion“.

Using the “UPPER” Function for Text Conversion

To use the “UPPER” function, follow these steps:

1. Select the cell or range of cells.
2. Go to the “Formulas” tab in the ribbon menu.
3. Click the “Text” button on the left.
4. Select “UPPER” from the list.
5. Enter any arguments into the formula bar at the top.
6. Press enter to apply and convert the text to uppercase.

Standardize your data with this function. Keep in mind that it is permanent and cannot be undone. Make a backup of your original data before making any conversions.

For different case formats, you can also use “PROPER” or “LOWER” functions.

My friend was typing product descriptions for their e-commerce store in all lowercase letters as it was quicker. But it made their website appear unprofessional and hard to read for customers. With the “UPPER” function, they were able to quickly convert all product descriptions into uppercase and make their website look better.

Using the “LOWER” Function for Text Conversion

If you want to convert text in Excel, the “LOWER” function can be useful. It changes a selected cell or range of cells into lowercase letters without having to change each character yourself. Here’s a guide on how to use it:

1. Choose the cell or range of cells to convert.
2. Go to the “Formulas” tab in the Ribbon Menu and click on “Text”.
3. Select “LOWER”, under “Change Case”.
4. In the “LOWER” dialog box, highlight the cell or range of cells to convert.
5. Click “OK” and wait for Excel to automatically apply the “LOWER” function to each selected cell.
6. Review each cell and make any needed changes.

Using this function can save time with large data sets. However, only lowercase conversions are possible. For uppercase letters, use a different function, such as “UPPER”.

Be careful not to accidentally alter formulas where changing case might result in incorrect calculations.

A great tip is to use conditional formatting when comparing similar strings with different capitalization patterns. This will help identify cases where two seemingly different strings are actually equivalent, but look different due to variation in capitalization patterns.

FAQs about Converting Units In Excel

What is Converting Units in Excel?

Converting Units in Excel refers to the process of converting values from one unit of measurement to another in Microsoft Excel. This can be done using built-in conversion functions or manually by creating conversion formulas.

What are the built-in conversion functions in Excel?

Excel has several built-in conversion functions, including CONVERT(), which can convert between various units of measurement such as length, weight, and volume, and TEXT(), which can format numbers as currency, percentage, or other custom formats.

How do I use the CONVERT() function to convert units in Excel?

To use the CONVERT() function in Excel, you first need to specify the value you want to convert, followed by the current unit of measurement, and then the unit you want to convert to. For example, =CONVERT(A1,”m”,”ft”) would convert the value in cell A1 from meters to feet.

How can I create custom conversion formulas in Excel?

To create custom conversion formulas in Excel, you need to identify the mathematical relationship between the two units of measurement you want to convert. For example, to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, you can use the formula F = (C x 1.8) + 32. You can then enter this formula into a cell and reference the appropriate cells to create a conversion table.

Can Excel convert units for currencies and time zones?

Yes, Excel has built-in conversion functions for currencies and time zones. The CURRENCY() function can convert between different currencies, based on the exchange rate, while the TIME() function can adjust times based on the time zone difference.

Are there any third-party Excel add-ins available for converting units?

Yes, there are several third-party Excel add-ins available for converting units, including “Unit Conversion Tool” and “Unit Converter.” These add-ins can provide additional features and simplify the process of creating conversion formulas.