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BASE Function (LibreOffice Calc)

Text Intermediate LibreOffice Calc LibreOffice 3.0

The BASE function converts a number into a text string representing that number in a specified base (radix). It supports bases from 2 to 36 and optional minimum length padding.

The **BASE** function converts a number into a text string representing that number in a specified base (radix). It supports bases from 2 to 36 and optional minimum-length padding. BASE is essential for encoding, binary/hex/octal conversions, and generating structured identifiers.

This guide provides syntax, examples, edge cases, and best practices, making it one of the most complete BASE references available for LibreOffice Calc.

What the BASE Function Does

  • Converts a number to a text string in a chosen base
  • Supports bases from 2 to 36
  • Supports optional minimum length (pads with leading zeros)
  • Useful for encoding, identifiers, and number-system conversions

It is designed to be simple, flexible, and ideal for text-based numeric representation.

Syntax

BASE(number; radix; [min_length])

Arguments

  • number:
    The non-negative integer to convert.

  • radix:
    The base (2 to 36).

  • min_length: (optional)
    Minimum output length; pads with leading zeros if needed.

Basic Examples

Convert to binary

=BASE(10; 2)

Returns "1010".

Convert to hexadecimal

=BASE(255; 16)

Returns "FF".

Convert to octal

=BASE(64; 8)

Returns "100".

Convert to base 36

=BASE(12345; 36)

Returns "9IX".

Pad to minimum length

=BASE(10; 2; 8)

Returns "00001010".

Advanced Examples

Generate fixed-width binary codes

=BASE(A1; 2; 16)

Create compact alphanumeric IDs

=BASE(A1; 36)

Convert row numbers to base-26 letters (A, B, C…)

=BASE(ROW(); 26)

Create padded hex identifiers

=BASE(A1; 16; 4)

Convert timestamps to base-36 tokens

=BASE(NOW()*86400; 36)

Build structured codes

=CONCAT("ID-"; BASE(A1; 36; 6))

Convert decimal to binary with grouping

=TEXTJOIN(" "; TRUE; MID(BASE(A1; 2; 16); {1;5;9;13}; 4))

Generate bitmasks

=BASE(2^A1; 2)

Convert to base-N and uppercase

=UPPER(BASE(A1; B1))

Edge Cases and Behavior Details

number must be non-negative

Negative numbers → Err:502.

radix must be between 2 and 36

=BASE(10; 1) → Err:502  
=BASE(10; 37) → Err:502

min_length < output length → ignored

min_length < 0 → Err:502

Output is always text

=TYPE(BASE(10; 2)) → 2 (text)

BASE does not accept fractional numbers

=BASE(3.14; 2) → Err:502

BASE of an error propagates the error

Letters A–Z represent digits 10–35

BASE is case-insensitive but outputs uppercase

Common Errors and Fixes

Err:502 — Invalid argument

Occurs when:

  • number < 0
  • radix outside 2–36
  • min_length negative
  • number not integer

Unexpected output length

Cause:

  • min_length smaller than actual output
  • number too large

Lowercase expected but uppercase returned

Fix:

  • Wrap with LOWER()

Best Practices

  • Use BASE for compact identifiers and encodings
  • Use min_length for fixed-width formatting
  • Use BASE with TEXTJOIN for grouped binary/hex output
  • Use BASE with ROW() or RAND() for unique tokens
  • Use BASE for cross-system numeric representation
  • Use BASE with UPPER/LOWER for stylistic control
BASE is your number‑system converter — perfect for binary, hex, octal, base‑36 IDs, and any workflow where numbers must become structured text.
  • Use DEC2BIN, DEC2HEX, DEC2OCT for specialized conversions
  • Use ROMAN and ARABIC for numeral-system conversion
  • Use TEXT for formatting numbers as text
  • Use REPT for padding
  • Use UNICODE and UNICHAR for character-level encoding

By mastering BASE and its companion functions, you can build powerful, structured, and encoding-aware text workflows in LibreOffice Calc.

Reproducible example (tested in LibreOffice Calc)

This standalone example was calculated in LibreOffice Calc 25.2.3.2 and matched the expected value. It is a practical cross-check of one usage, not proof that every example elsewhere on this page is correct.

=BASE(15;16)

Expected result: F.

Represent the number 15 as a hexadecimal digit.

If the result differs, check the referenced cells, argument separators and number formatting. For more information, consult the LibreOffice Calc official help.