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BIN2HEX Function (LibreOffice Calc)

Mathematical Beginner LibreOffice Calc Introduction not established

The BIN2HEX function converts a binary (base‑2) number into its hexadecimal (base‑16) 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 **BIN2HEX** function converts a **binary number** (base‑2) into a **hexadecimal number** (base‑16). It supports both unsigned and signed 10‑bit binary values using **two’s complement** representation.

What the BIN2HEX Function Does

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

Syntax

BIN2HEX(binary_number; [min_length])

Arguments

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

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

Basic Examples

Convert simple binary to hex

=BIN2HEX("1111")
→ "F"

Convert using a cell reference

=BIN2HEX(A1)

Convert a signed 10‑bit binary number

=BIN2HEX("1111111111")
→ "FFFFFFFFFF" (Excel-compatible 40‑bit hex)

Pad output to a minimum length

=BIN2HEX("1010"; 4)
→ "000A"

Advanced Examples

Convert binary stored as text

=BIN2HEX(TEXT(A1; "0000000000"))

Convert binary from DEC2BIN

=BIN2HEX(DEC2BIN(A1; 10))

Convert binary from BIT* functions

=BIN2HEX(BASE(BITXOR(A1; A2); 2; 10))

Convert a two’s‑complement negative number

=BIN2HEX("1111110110")
→ "FFFFFFFE6"

Convert padded binary string

=BIN2HEX(RIGHT("0000000000" & A1; 10))

Edge Cases and Behavior Details

BIN2HEX returns a hexadecimal text string

Accepts:

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

Behavior details

  • Hex output uses uppercase A–F
  • Negative binary values produce 40‑bit hex (Excel compatibility)
  • Positive values produce minimal-length hex unless padded
  • Input must be text or a number containing only 0s and 1s

Invalid input → Err:502

BIN2HEX 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 long hex output

Cause:

  • Input interpreted as signed two’s complement

Fix:

  • Ensure correct bit width
  • Use DEC2HEX for unsigned hex

Best Practices

  • Pad binary values to 10 bits for predictable signed behavior
  • Use DEC2HEX for unsigned hex conversions
  • Combine with BIT* functions for bitwise workflows
  • Validate binary input to avoid Err:502
  • Use BASE for arbitrary‑length binary/hex conversions
BIN2HEX is ideal for bridging binary and hexadecimal workflows — perfect for encoding, bitwise operations, and low‑level numeric processing.
  • Use BIN2DEC and BIN2OCT for other conversions
  • Use DEC2HEX for decimal → hex
  • Use HEX2DEC for hex → decimal
  • Use BASE for arbitrary‑base conversions
  • Use VALUE to sanitize imported text

By mastering BIN2HEX and its companion functions, you can build powerful binary‑processing and encoding workflows in LibreOffice Calc.