Syntax
BITOR(number1, number2)
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| number1 | Parameter of the BITOR function. |
| number2 | Parameter of the BITOR function. |
Examples
Basic OR operation
Formula
=BITOR(5, 3)
7. In binary: 101 OR 011 = 111, which is 7 in decimal. Every bit that's set in either number appears in the result.
Set a flag bit
Formula
=BITOR(8, 4)
12. In binary: 1000 OR 0100 = 1100. Combines bit 3 and bit 2 into a value with both flags set.
Combine permission flags
Formula
=BITOR(BITOR(1, 2), 4)
7. Combines read (1), write (2), and execute (4) permissions into 7 (all permissions). Nested BITORs combine multiple flags.
Common Errors
#NUM!
One or both numbers is negative, or exceeds 2^48 - 1.
#VALUE!
An argument is non-numeric.
Tips
Setting bits
BITOR(value, 2^N) sets bit N without affecting other bits. This is the standard way to turn on a specific flag.
Combine multiple flags
To set multiple flags at once, OR them together: BITOR(BITOR(flag1, flag2), flag3). Or use nested BITORs.
Complement of BITAND
BITAND tests which bits are common to both values; BITOR merges all bits from both values. They're complementary operations.
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