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BIN2DEC Function (LibreOffice Calc)

Mathematical Beginner LibreOffice Calc Introduction not established

The BIN2DEC function converts a binary (base‑2) number into its decimal (base‑10) equivalent. Supports signed 10‑bit binary values using two’s complement.

Verification status: Consult the documentation, examples and any stated test scope below. How formula examples are checked

Availability and version history

  • Introduced: Documented by LibreOffice 26.8.1.1; original introduction not established.
  • Availability: Supported in LibreOffice 26.8.1.1, verified against its function registry. This identifies a supported release, not a final working version.
  • Scope: Desktop Calc, using the English function name. Availability in other spreadsheet applications is separate.
  • Checked: 2026-10-14 — function reference; versioned support. Documentation/source check; not a new native test. Existing example-specific test claims below retain their stated scope.
The **BIN2DEC** function converts a **binary number** (base‑2) into a **decimal number** (base‑10). It supports both unsigned and signed 10‑bit binary values using **two’s complement** representation.

What the BIN2DEC Function Does

  • Converts binary → decimal
  • Accepts up to 10 bits
  • Supports signed values using two’s complement
  • Useful for bitwise workflows, encoding, and low‑level data processing

Syntax

BIN2DEC(binary_number)

Arguments

  • binary_number:
    A text string representing a binary number (e.g., "1011").

Basic Examples

Convert simple binary to decimal

=BIN2DEC("1010")
→ 10

Convert using a cell reference

=BIN2DEC(A1)

Convert a signed 10‑bit binary number

=BIN2DEC("1111111111")
→ -1

Advanced Examples

Convert a binary value stored as text

=BIN2DEC(TEXT(A1; "0000000000"))

Convert a binary result from BIT* functions

=BIN2DEC(BASE(BITOR(A1; A2); 2; 10))

Convert a padded binary string

=BIN2DEC(RIGHT("0000000000" & A1; 10))

Convert a two’s‑complement negative number

=BIN2DEC("1111110110")
→ -10

Convert a binary string generated from DEC2BIN

=BIN2DEC(DEC2BIN(A1; 10))

Edge Cases and Behavior Details

BIN2DEC returns a numeric value

Accepts:

  • Binary strings up to 10 bits
  • Signed values using two’s complement
  • Leading zeros

Behavior details

  • Maximum unsigned input: "1111111111"
  • Two’s complement range:
    • Minimum: –512
    • Maximum: +511
  • Input must be text or a number containing only 0s and 1s
  • Negative values require full 10‑bit representation

Invalid input → Err:502

BIN2DEC of an error → error propagates

Common Errors and Fixes

Err:502 — Invalid binary number

Cause:

  • Contains characters other than 0 or 1
  • More than 10 bits
  • Empty string

Fix:

  • Validate input
  • Use TEXT or RIGHT to enforce 10‑bit width

Unexpected negative result

Cause:

  • Input interpreted as two’s complement

Fix:

  • Ensure correct bit width
  • Use DEC2BIN for consistent formatting

Best Practices

  • Always pad binary values to 10 bits for predictable signed behavior
  • Use DEC2BIN for generating compatible binary strings
  • Combine with BIT* functions for bitwise workflows
  • Validate input to avoid Err:502
  • Use BASE for arbitrary‑length binary conversions
BIN2DEC is your reliable bridge between binary and decimal — essential for bitwise operations, encoding, and low‑level numeric workflows.
  • Use DEC2BIN for decimal → binary
  • Use BIN2OCT and BIN2HEX for other base conversions
  • Use BASE for arbitrary‑length binary strings
  • Use VALUE to sanitize imported text

By mastering BIN2DEC and its companion functions, you can build powerful binary‑processing and encoding 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.

=BIN2DEC("1010")

Expected result: 10.

Convert the binary digits 1010 to decimal.

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