If you’re working with different measurement systems in Excel — from inches to centimeters, pounds to kilograms, or Fahrenheit to Celsius — the CONVERT function in Excel is your ultimate solution! 🔄 This built-in function allows you to convert values between different units of measurement in just seconds. In this post, you’ll discover how to use the CONVERT function in Excel effectively, along with keyboard shortcuts for Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu/Linux to work even faster. ✅
🧠 Why Use the CONVERT Function?
The CONVERT function is ideal for:
- 📏 Switching between metric and imperial systems
- 🌡️ Converting temperature values
- ⚖️ Changing weight/mass units
- 🧪 Converting scientific units (force, energy, volume, etc.)
- 📊 Making engineering or science reports consistent
💡 Instead of manually calculating unit conversions, CONVERT gives you accurate results with zero hassle.
✅ Basic Syntax of CONVERT
=CONVERT(number, from_unit, to_unit)
- number: The numeric value to convert
- from_unit: The unit you’re converting from (in quotes)
- to_unit: The unit you’re converting to (in quotes)
✅ All units must be entered using Excel’s standard unit abbreviations.
✅ Example 1: Convert Inches to Centimeters
=CONVERT(10, "in", "cm")
✅ Result: 25.4
🎯 Perfect for formatting reports in metric units.
✅ Example 2: Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius
=CONVERT(212, "F", "C")
✅ Result: 100
🔥 Boiling point of water — quick and precise!
✅ Example 3: Convert Pounds to Kilograms
=CONVERT(150, "lbm", "kg")
✅ Result: 68.04
🎯 Great for fitness or medical calculations.
📋 Common Unit Abbreviations for CONVERT
| Category | From Unit | To Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | “m” | “yd” | Meters to yards |
| Weight | “g” | “oz” | Grams to ounces |
| Temperature | “C” | “F” | Celsius to Fahrenheit |
| Volume | “l” | “gal” | Liters to gallons |
| Area | “m2” | “ft2” | Square meters to square feet |
| Speed | “m/s” | “km/hr” | Meters per second to kilometers per hour |
📌 Always use correct case-sensitive unit abbreviations!
⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts to Speed Up CONVERT Usage
| Action | Windows | macOS | Ubuntu/Linux (LibreOffice Calc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start formula | = | = | = |
| Auto-complete function name | Tab after typing CONVERT | Tab after typing CONVERT | Tab |
| Edit active cell | F2 | Ctrl + U | F2 |
| Fill formula down | Ctrl + D | Cmd + D | Ctrl + D |
| Insert line break in formula | Alt + Enter | Ctrl + Option + Return | Ctrl + Enter |
📢 Use Ctrl + Space or Cmd + Space to quickly select a column for batch conversion.
🐧 CONVERT Function in LibreOffice Calc (Ubuntu/Linux)
LibreOffice does not support the CONVERT function natively 😕. However, you can:
- Use manual conversion formulas (e.g.,
=A1*2.20462) - Create custom macros or install Add-ins for unit conversion
✅ Or, switch to Excel Online or Google Sheets if needed for built-in unit functions.
🔄 Real-World Applications for CONVERT
| Use Case | How CONVERT Helps |
|---|---|
| Engineering Reports | Convert PSI to Pascals, Joules to Calories |
| International Trade | Switch weights from lbm to kg, gallons to liters |
| Health and Fitness | Convert body metrics like pounds to kilos |
| Construction Projects | Handle length and area conversions in design plans |
| Academic Research | Convert energy, volume, or scientific units fast |
🎯 It’s not just a convenience — it’s a time-saver and accuracy booster!
🧯 Troubleshooting Tips for CONVERT
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
#N/A error | Likely due to incorrect unit abbreviation |
| Invalid units | Check for typos, spacing, or case sensitivity |
| Doesn’t work in LibreOffice | Use manual formulas or try Excel/Google Sheets |
| No auto-suggestions | Use Excel’s Insert Function wizard (Shift + F3) |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the CONVERT function do in Excel?
It converts numbers from one unit of measure to another (e.g., meters to feet).
Is CONVERT case-sensitive?
Yes — unit codes must be entered exactly as expected.
Can I convert currencies with CONVERT?
No — CONVERT only works for physical units, not currencies or financial rates.
Is CONVERT available in all versions of Excel?
Yes — CONVERT is available in all modern desktop versions of Excel.
How can I find valid unit codes?
Use the Microsoft official unit list.
✅ Conclusion: Convert Units Seamlessly with Excel’s CONVERT Function
The CONVERT function in Excel is a hidden gem that saves time, eliminates errors, and makes your spreadsheets super smart. 🔄 Whether you’re in construction, science, business, or education, mastering CONVERT means you can work faster and more accurately across measurement systems — on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu/Linux (with alternatives for Calc users).
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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