# Google Sheets CONVERT Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips - URL: https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/convert-function - Author: Better Analyst Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account, more powerful analysis.Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account and workflows, with more powerful analysis, dashboards, and automation. [Learn what changed](https://betteranalyst.com/formula-bot-is-now-better-analyst) Converts a number from one unit of measurement to another. ``` =CONVERT(value, start_unit, end_unit) ``` Generate FormulaExplain Formula One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward. Describe the CONVERT you need in plain EnglishGenerate Formula ## Parameters | Parameter | Required | Description | | - | - | - | | **value** | Yes | The number to convert, expressed in **start\_unit**. | | **start\_unit** | Yes | The unit the value is currently in, written as a text code such as `"mi"`, `"kg"`, or `"C"`. Type unit codes exactly as Google lists them. | | **end\_unit** | Yes | The unit to convert to. Must be in the same category as **start\_unit** (for example, both lengths). | ## What Is CONVERT? CONVERT changes a measurement from one unit to another without you having to look up conversion factors. Miles to kilometres, pounds to kilograms, Celsius to Fahrenheit, gallons to litres, hours to minutes: as long as both units belong to the same category, CONVERT handles the arithmetic. ## How CONVERT Works You give CONVERT a number, the unit it is in, and the unit you want. Units are passed as short text codes in quotes. Google Sheets checks that the two codes measure the same kind of quantity, applies the conversion, and returns a number. If the categories do not match (for example, kilograms to metres), there is no sensible answer and the function returns an error. ## Basic Examples ### Miles to kilometres ``` =CONVERT(1, "mi", "km") ``` Returns 1.609344. ### Celsius to Fahrenheit ``` =CONVERT(100, "C", "F") ``` Returns 212. Temperature conversions handle the offset as well as the scale, so this is not just a multiplication. ### Pounds to kilograms ``` =CONVERT(B2, "lbm", "kg") ``` Converts a weight in pounds (mass) in B2 to kilograms. One pound is 0.45359237 kg. ### Hours to minutes ``` =CONVERT(2.5, "hr", "mn") ``` Returns 150. ### Gallons to litres ``` =CONVERT(10, "gal", "l") ``` Converts 10 US gallons to roughly 37.85 litres. ## Commonly Used Unit Codes | Category | Examples | | - | - | | Length | `"m"`, `"km"`, `"cm"`, `"mm"`, `"in"`, `"ft"`, `"yd"`, `"mi"` | | Weight / mass | `"g"`, `"kg"`, `"lbm"`, `"ozm"` | | Temperature | `"C"`, `"F"`, `"K"` | | Volume | `"l"`, `"ml"`, `"gal"`, `"qt"`, `"pt"`, `"cup"`, `"tsp"`, `"tbs"` | | Time | `"sec"`, `"mn"`, `"hr"`, `"day"`, `"yr"` | | Speed | `"m/s"`, `"m/hr"` (metres per hour), `"mph"`, `"kn"` (knots), `"admkn"` (admiralty knots) | | Energy | `"J"`, `"cal"`, `"BTU"` | Many metric units also accept a prefix in front of the base code. For example, `"k"` (kilo) in front of `"m"` gives kilometres, and `"m"` in front of `"g"` gives milligrams (`"mg"`). ## Common Use Cases - **International reports**: show the same figures in metric and imperial units side by side - **Recipes and catering**: scale ingredient volumes between cups, millilitres, and litres - **Logistics**: convert shipment weights and route distances - **Science and engineering**: switch between temperature scales or energy units - **Timesheets**: turn hours into minutes or days ## Converting a Whole Column CONVERT works with ARRAYFORMULA, so a single formula can convert an entire column: ``` =ARRAYFORMULA(IF(B2:B="", "", CONVERT(B2:B, "mi", "km"))) ``` ## Common Errors - **#N/A from mismatched categories**: `=CONVERT(5, "kg", "m")` fails because mass and length cannot be converted into each other. - **#N/A from a wrong code**: Type the code exactly as Google lists it, for example `"km"` and `"kg"`. - **Pounds and ounces**: Use `"lbm"` and `"ozm"` for weight. Plain `"lb"` is not the code for a pound of mass. - **#VALUE!**: The value argument is text that cannot be read as a number. ## Tips and Best Practices - Keep unit codes in their own cells (for example, D1 = `km`) and reference them, so changing the target unit updates every formula. - Round the output with [ROUND](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/round-function) for display, since conversions often produce long decimals. - Label converted columns clearly, for example by building a header with [CONCAT](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/concat-function). - When a unit is not supported, multiply by a known factor instead. ## Related Functions - [ROUND](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/round-function): tidy up converted results - [DIVIDE](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/divide-function): manual conversions by a known factor - [CONCAT](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/concat-function): attach a unit label to a result ## Example use case A logistics coordinator receives route distances in miles from a US partner but reports in kilometres. Using =ROUND(CONVERT(B2, "mi", "km"), 1) in column C, every route length is converted and rounded to one decimal place. ## Need more help with Google Sheets formulas? Sign up for Better Analyst and get unlimited AI-powered formula generation, explanations, and advanced data analysis. [Create Free Account](https://betteranalyst.com/signup)[Try Formula Generator](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) ## Google Sheets how-to guides - [How To Subtract In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-subtract-in-google-sheets) - [How To Transpose Data In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-transpose-data-in-google-sheets) - [How To Unhide Columns In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-unhide-all-columns-in-google-sheets) - [How To Unhide Rows In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-unhide-all-rows-in-google-sheets) - [How To Unprotect Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-unprotect-google-sheets) - [How To Wrap Text In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-wrap-text-in-google-sheets) - [Google Sheets Conditional Formatting](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/google-sheets-conditional-formatting) - [How To Add A Column In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-add-a-column-in-google-sheets) ## Explore all Google Sheets formulas Browse our complete library of Google Sheets formula guides Compare your options ## Decide with evidence, not a sales pitch. 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