How to use the BIN2OCT() function in Excel

Its converts a binary number to its octal (base-8) equivalent.

Syntax
BIN2OCT(number; [places])

Arguments

• number (required)
  • A 10-digit maximum binary number in two’s complement notation
  • Negative values return a 10-digit octal number
• places (optional)
  • Specifies minimum number of characters to display
  • Adds leading zeros if necessary
  • If omitted, shows only significant digits
  • Decimal places are truncated

Background
For complete details on number systems and two’s complement representation, see the « Number Systems » introduction section.

Examples

=BIN2OCT(1110)      // Returns 16 (binary 1110 = octal 16)

=BIN2OCT(1110,4)    // Returns 0016 (padded to 4 digits)

=BIN2OCT(111111111) // Returns 777 (binary 111111111 = octal 777)

=BIN2OCT(1111111111)// Returns 7777777777 (binary 1111111111 = -1 in two’s complement)

Key Features

1. Handles both positive and negative binary numbers via two’s complement
2. 10-digit binary input limit (sign bit included)
3. Negative inputs always return 10-digit octal results
4. Optional padding for positive numbers only