Developer ToolsFree generatorPDF, Excel, Word export

Excel CONVERT Function Formula Generator for Engineering Units

Excel's CONVERT function converts between hundreds of units without hand-typed factors, but its unit codes are easy to get wrong and it has no torque units. This generator writes the formula for your cell and units and adds torque conversions that CONVERT cannot do.

Fill in

Input cell

Cell holding the value to convert

From unit code

Codes are case sensitive, for example in, mm, lbm, kg, lbf, N, psi, Pa, F, C

To unit code

Decimal places

Torque cell (N.m)

Generated code

Download:

Basic formula

=CONVERT(A2,"in","mm")

Rounded and error-safe formula

=IFERROR(ROUND(CONVERT(A2,"in","mm"),3),"Check unit codes")

Common unit codes

Length: m, in, ft, yd, mi
Mass: g, kg, lbm, ozm
Force: N, lbf
Pressure: Pa, atm, mmHg, Torr, psi
Temperature: C, F, K
Volume: l, gal, qt
Prefixes: k (kilo), m (milli), c (centi), u (micro), M (mega), for example kPa or mm

Torque workaround (no torque units in CONVERT)

N.m to lbf.ft: =B2*0.737562
lbf.ft to N.m: =B2*1.355818
N.m to lbf.in: =B2*8.850746
kgf.m to N.m: =B2*9.80665

Unit codes are case sensitive and the two units must be of the same type, otherwise Excel returns #N/A. Temperature conversion handles offsets correctly, unlike a plain multiplier. Verify the code list against your Excel version, since unit availability can vary by version and by installed language. Torque factors are standard conversion constants rounded to six digits.

Replace spreadsheet conversions with governed data

We can discuss moving unit conversion logic out of spreadsheets into your ERP reports.

Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.

How to use the generator

Enter the cell that holds your value, the unit it is in and the unit you want. Copy the basic formula into your sheet, or use the rounded, error-safe version if the sheet will be shared. The unit list shows the codes most engineers need. For a column, fill the formula down. If you receive a #N/A error, the usual causes are a wrong case in the code, a unit that does not exist, or two units that are not the same kind of quantity.

Why CONVERT is safer than typed factors

A typed factor such as 25.4 or 0.0689476 is easy to mistype or reuse in the wrong direction, and a copy of the sheet may keep the old value. CONVERT keeps the factor in one place that Excel maintains, and it handles temperature offsets properly, which a multiplier cannot. For auditable work, keep the from and to codes in cells next to the value so the sheet shows the unit pair that was used.

Prefix letters work: kPa, mm, MPa is not supported in every build, so test
Use IFERROR to flag bad codes
Show the unit pair beside the result
Round only the final answer

Limits and mistakes

CONVERT does not cover torque, so use a documented factor as shown. It also does not know about material specific units such as sheet gauge or hardness scales, which need tables. A common mistake is converting a gauge pressure to absolute pressure as if they were the same, or forgetting that lbm is a mass and lbf a force. Another is using mass for weight on a drawing or purchase order without stating which is meant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert inches to mm in Excel?

Use =CONVERT(A2,"in","mm"), which applies the exact 25.4 factor. Copy it down the column and wrap it in ROUND if you need a set number of decimal places for the drawing or purchase order.

Why does CONVERT return #N/A?

Excel returns #N/A when a unit code is spelled wrong, uses the wrong letter case, does not exist, or when the two units measure different things, such as converting a length to a mass.

Does CONVERT handle torque?

No. Use a factor instead: multiply N.m by 0.737562 to get lbf.ft, or by 8.850746 to get lbf.in. Document the factor in the sheet so the next user can check it.

Can CONVERT convert Celsius and Fahrenheit?

Yes. =CONVERT(A2,"C","F") handles the offset as well as the scale, so 100 C returns 212 F. A simple multiplier would give the wrong answer for temperature.

If conversion logic is repeated in many spreadsheets around your ERP, we can help move it into governed ERP data and reports so one factor serves everyone.

Talk to an Expert Explore More Free Tools

Related Tools

Engineering & PLM

More Developer Tools tools

See all

Back to All Tools