How to Get Complex Number Magnitude in Excel (2 Easy Methods)

In this article, I will show how to get the magnitude of a complex number in Excel by using 2 easy methods. You may need mathematical calculations when working on an Excel worksheet. Complex number magnitude is a ubiquitous expression in mathematical calculations. In this article, I will show you two effective ways to get complex number magnitude in Excel. This will help you to increase your Excel skills.

Introduction to Complex Numbers

A complex number is an element of a number system consisting of a real part and an imaginary part. Here, the imaginary part is denoted with i and satisfies the equation i^2 = -1. Every complex number is expressed in the a+bi form where a is the real part and bi is the imaginary part of the number. Contrary to historical nomenclature, complex numbers are crucial to many parts of the scientific explanation of the natural world. They are recognized in the mathematical sciences as just as “real” as real numbers.

How to Get Complex Number Magnitude in Excel: 2 Effective Ways

This is the dataset I am going to use in this article for every method. The database contains three columns, B, C, and D called Complex Numbers, Real Parts, and Imaginary Part. I will add another column in the E column to show the results. The dataset ranges from B4 to D9. Hence, follow the steps of every method one by one. Moreover, I have added the necessary illustrations for every step for your better understanding.

1. Using Generic Way to Get Complex Number Magnitude in Excel

Here, I will show you how to get the magnitude of complex numbers in Excel by using a generic way. This is a very simple process. First, you need to know how to calculate the magnitude generally. Now, every complex number is expressed in the a+bi form where a is the real part and b is the imaginary part of the number.  I will show you how to get the real and imaginary parts of the complex numbers first. Then, you need to square the coefficient of the real and imaginary parts of the complex number. Then, make a summation of the squares. After that, make a square root of the summation of the squares. I will follow these steps to get the complex number magnitude. However, I have added a new column with the dataset to show the magnitudes of the complex number. Follow the steps given below.

Steps:

• First, write down the following formula in the C5 cell.

In this formula, the IMREAL function is used to separate the real part of the complex number.

• Then, hit the Enter button.
• Consequently, this action will show result 2.

• Then, copy down the formula from C5 to C9 cell.

• Then, copy the following formula in the D5 cell.

Here, the IMAGINARY function is used to separate the imaginary part of the complex number.

• After pressing Enter and copying down the formula, you will get the whole imaginary parts of the complex numbers.

• Now, select cell no. E5.
• Then, write down the following formula in the selected cell.

Here, the SQRT function is used to get the square root of the summation of the squares of the values in C5 and D5 cells.

• Then, hit Enter.
• After that, copy down the formula from E5 to E9 cell.

• As a result, this command will show the magnitude of given complex numbers.

This way, you can calculate complex number magnitude in a generic way.

Read More: How to Add Complex Numbers in Excel

2. Applying IMABS Function

In this section of this article, I will show you how to calculate complex number magnitude in Excel by applying the IMABS function. The procedure is easy. I hope you will enjoy the whole procedure.

Steps:

• First select the C5 cell.
• Then, copy the following formula in the selected cell.

Here, the IMABS function is used to get the absolute magnitude of the complex numbers.

• After that, press Enter.

• Then, fill handle the formula from C5 to C9 cell.
• As a result of this command, Excel will show you the magnitudes of the complex numbers.

In this way, you can calculate the magnitude of a complex number by using the IMABS function.

Read More: How to Convert Complex Numbers to Polar Form in Excel

How to Sum Complex Numbers in Excel

When dealing with complex numbers, you may need to sum complex numbers. In this section of this article, I will tell you the shortest way to sum complex numbers. I have used two columns here where you can see the complex numbers. Follow the following steps two sums two complex numbers.

Steps:

• First, select the D5 cell and copy the following formula.

in this portion, I have used the IMSUM function to get the sum of the complex numbers.

• After pressing the Enter button, the command will show the suggestions.
• Then copy down the formula from D5 to D9.

• Due to this command, you will get the summation of two complex numbers in the D

In this way, you can get summations of complex numbers.

Read More: How to Format Complex Numbers in Excel

Download Practice Workbook

Please download the workbook to practice yourself.

Conclusion

In this article, I have tried explaining how to get a complex number’s magnitude in Excel. I hope you have learned something new from this article. Now, extend your skill by following the steps of these methods. I hope you have enjoyed the whole tutorial. If you have any queries, feel free to ask me in the comment section. Don’t forget to give us your feedback.