How to Convert Units in Excel (3 Handy Methods)

Conversion of units is the process of modifying units of measurement for the same quantity, usually by multiplying factors of conversion. This means that the conversion process depends upon the situation and its intended purpose. In this article, we’ll discuss 3 methods to convert units in Excel.

Unit conversion in Excel is a fairly common and easy procedure hence there are a handful of different methods. So let’s go through them one at a time.

1. Using CONVERT Function to Convert Units in Excel

Unit conversion is made easy by Excel’s built-in CONVERT function which takes in 3 necessary arguments and offers a vast array of unit conversions. For example, you can convert the units from Fahrenheit to Celsius, meters to feet, pounds to kilograms, etc. In the first method, we’ll show you the use of the function in the case of a single cell.

1.1. Converting Units in a Single Cell

Now, let’s begin by converting the Temperature from degree Celsius to degree Fahrenheit for a single cell as shown in the table below. Here, the Temperature of Alabama state is given in Celsius. And we want to convert it to Fahrenheit in the D5 cell.

Step 01: Choose a Cell to Enter the Command

• To start, select the D5 cell.

• Then, type the following:

Here, C5 refers to Temperature (Celsius), “C” and “F” indicate the short form of Celsius (from_unit argument and Fahrenheit (to_unit argument) respectively. In this formula, we used the CONVERT function, the most popular way to convert units in Excel.

Step 02: Get the Results

• Now, click ENTER and the temperature is converted to Fahrenheit.

1.2. Converting Units in Multiple Cells

In the previous method, we showed the way of converting units in the case of a single cell. What if you have multiple cells to convert the units? Luckily, you can use the same formula except you have to use the Fill Handle tool.

Step 01: Enter the Command

• Firstly, select the D5 cell.
• In the next step:

Step 02: Display the Results

• Now, click ENTER and drag the Fill Handle tool.

• Thus, converting the entire column from degree Celsius to degree Fahrenheit.

Let’s apply the CONVERT function in the case of another dataset where the Distance in kilometers among various cities is provided in the USA.

Now, we want to convert the distance in kilometers between the cities to miles using Excel’s CONVERT function.

Step 01: Enter the Arguments

• Firstly, select the E5 cell and type CONVERT.
• Then, provide the following arguments:

Here, D5 refers to Distance (Kilometers), “km” and “mi” indicate the short form of Kilometer (from_unit argument and Mile (to_unit argument) respectively.

Step 02: Show the Converted Results

• Secondly, press ENTER to show the result in miles.

• Next, use the Fill Handle tool to drag down and complete the table and you’ll see that Distance (Kilometer) is converted into Distance (Miles).

Here, I have skipped some of the relevant examples of the CONVERT function which you might explore if you want.’

Read More: How to Convert Meters to Miles in Excel (3 Simple Methods)

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2. Preparing a Conversion Matrix to Convert Units 

The matrix style conversion or a conversion table can show a vast array of related units of conversion. In this case, we are going to use the dataset shown below.

Steps:

• Firstly, type in a numerical value in the C15 cell.

• In this example, the value 100 was provided in the C15 cell.
• Excel automatically generates the table in order to show the equivalent value of 100 teaspoons in different units.

Read More: Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Meters in Excel (2 Easy Methods)

3. Applying VBA Code to Convert Units in Excel

Conversion using VBA is a simple process. Just follow along.

Step 01: Navigate to Visual Basic

• Firstly, look for the Developer tab in the Home ribbon.
• Then, select Visual Basic from the Developer tab.

Step 02: Open a Module and Run the Code

• Secondly, go to Insert and click on Module.

• Immediately, a window appears on the right.

Sub Convert_VBA()
    Dim k As Integer
    For k = 5 To 14
        Cells(k, 4).Value = Application.WorksheetFunction.Convert(Cells(k, 3).Value, "C", "F")
    Next k
End Sub

• Next, copy and paste this code into this window.

• Finally, select Run from the top ribbon and close the window.

• Lastly, return back to your spreadsheet where you’ll find the temperature converted to degree Fahrenheit.

Things to Remember

• Excel’s CONVERT function is case-sensitive.
• In addition, the CONVERT function will display the #N/A error if the units are inconsistent.

• Lastly, the CONVERT function also throws the #NAME? error if it is unable to recognize the string of text.

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Conclusion

This article illustrates the process of how to convert units in Excel. Make sure to download the practice files & do it yourself. Please inform us in the comment section if you have any queries. We, the Exceldemy team, are happy to answer your queries.

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