Syntax
BASE(number, radix, [min_length])
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| number | Parameter of the BASE function. |
| radix | Parameter of the BASE function. |
| [min_length] | (Optional.) Parameter of the BASE function. |
Examples
Decimal to hexadecimal
Formula
=BASE(255, 16)
Returns "FF" — the hexadecimal representation of 255. Useful for color codes, memory addresses, etc.
Decimal to binary with padding
Formula
=BASE(10, 2, 8)
Returns "00001010" — binary representation of 10, padded to 8 digits with leading zeros for consistent byte-width display.
Decimal to octal
Formula
=BASE(255, 8)
Returns "377" — the octal representation of 255.
Common Errors
#NUM!
Occurs when the number is negative, the radix is outside 2-36, or the minimum length is negative.
#VALUE!
Occurs when arguments are non-numeric text.
Tips
Radix range is 2-36
BASE supports any base from 2 (binary) to 36 (using 0-9 and A-Z). Base 16 (hex) and base 2 (binary) are the most common uses.
Pad with leading zeros
The third argument sets minimum output length. =BASE(5, 2, 8) returns "00000101" instead of "101" — essential for consistent formatting.
Result is text
BASE returns a text string, not a number. To convert back, use DECIMAL: =DECIMAL("FF", 16) returns 255.
Try BASE in Viztab
Import your data and use BASE with 370+ other formulas. No signup required.
Open Viztab