What Is BASE Function In Google Sheets?
BASE function in Google sheets is an inbuilt function used to convert the numeric values into textual representation. It is a powerful Google sheets function which users can use to convert numbers from one base to another.
Using Google sheets BASE function, we can convert a value in the data into binary, hexadecimal value or even use a custom base representation.
For example, consider the below table showing number, and base in columns A, and B, respectively.

Now, let us use the BASE function in Google sheets and convert the numbers.
To start with, we need to insert the data in the spreadsheet. In this example, the data is available in the cell range A1:C4. Next, select the cell where we want to find the result. In this example, select the cell C2. Now, insert the BASE formula in Google sheets.
So, the complete formula is =BASE(A2,B2). Press Enter key.
We need to see the result in cell C2. Now, using AutoFill option, we can find the result in other cells such as cells C3 and C4, as shown in the below image.

In this article, let us learn how to use BASE function in Google sheets with detailed examples.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- BASE function in Google sheets is a default function in Google sheets used to convert numbers into text values.
- The syntax of BASE function in Google sheets is =BASE(value,base,[min_length]) where value and base are mandatory arguments.
- Value shows convert number which we want to convert into a different value.
- Base shows the value with which we want to convert the value.
- Min_length is the only optional argument which is used to decide and return the minimum length of the text.
Syntax

The formula of BASE function in Google sheets is =BASE(value,base,[min_length])
where,
- Value is a mandatory argument used to convert number into base
- Base is also a mandatory argument, showing the base (from 2 to 36) used to convert number into value.
- Min_length is the optional argument used to decide and return the minimum length of the text.
Generally, while using BASE function, remember to use the BASE value from 2 to 36 in Google Sheets.
How To Use Base Function In Google Sheets?
The steps to use BASE function in Google sheets are:
Step 1: To start with, we need to insert the data in the spreadsheet. Next, select the cell where we want to find the result.
Step 2: Now, insert the BASE formula in Google sheets.
Step 3: Press Enter key.
We need to see the result in the active cell.
Likewise, we can convert numbers into different base in Google sheets.
Examples
Let us learn how to use BASE function in Google sheets with the help of followings detailed examples.
Example #1 – Convert Numbers To Binary Representation
For example, consider the below table showing number, and base in columns A, and B, respectively.

Now, let us use the BASE function in Google sheets and convert numbers to binary representation.
The steps are:
Step 1: To start with, we need to insert the data in the spreadsheet. In this example, the data is available in the cell range A1:C4. Next, select the cell where we want to find the result. In this example, select the cell C2.
Step 2: Now, insert the BASE formula in Google sheets.
So, the complete formula is =BASE(A2,B2)

Step 3: Press Enter key.
We need to see the result in cell C2.

Now, using AutoFill option, we can find the result in other cells such as cells C3 and C4, as shown in the below image.

Likewise, we can convert numbers into binary base in Google sheets.
Example #2 – Convert Numbers To Hexadecimal Representation
For example, consider the below table showing number, and base in columns A, and B, respectively.

Now, let us use the BASE function in Google sheets and convert the numbers.
The steps are:
Step 1: To start with, we need to insert the data in the spreadsheet. In this example, the data is available in the cell range A1:C4. Next, select the cell where we want to find the result. In this example, select the cell C2.
Step 2: Now, insert the BASE formula in Google sheets.
So, the complete formula is =BASE(A2,B2)

Step 3: Press Enter key.
We need to see the result in cell C2.

Now, using AutoFill option, we can find the result in other cells such as cells C3 and C4, as shown in the below image.

Likewise, we can convert numbers into hexadecimal representation in Google sheets.
Example #3 – Convert Numbers To A Custom Base Representation
For example, consider the below table showing number, and base in columns A, and B, respectively.

Now, let us use the BASE function in Google sheets and convert the numbers with the length of 6 digits.
The steps are:
Step 1: To start with, we need to insert the data in the spreadsheet. In this example, the data is available in the cell range A1:C4. Next, select the cell where we want to find the result. In this example, select the cell C2.
Step 2: Now, insert the BASE formula in Google sheets. Since our custom base length is 6, we need to mention the last argument, which is the min_length as 6.
So, the complete formula is =BASE(A2,B2,6)

Step 3: Press Enter key.
We need to see the result in cell C2.

Now, using AutoFill option, we can find the result in other cells such as cells C3 and C4, as shown in the below image.

Likewise, we can convert numbers into custom base representation in Google sheets.
Important Things To Note
- BASE function in Google sheets is used to change values into different base formats.
- It is available in both Excel and Google Sheets, which users can use to convert values into text representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
For example, consider the below table showing number, and base in columns A, and B, respectively.
Now, let us use the BASE function in Google sheets and convert the numbers.
The steps are:
Step 1: To start with, we need to insert the data in the spreadsheet. In this example, the data is available in the cell range A1:C4. Next, select the cell where we want to find the result. In this example, select the cell C2.
Step 2: Now, insert the BASE formula in Google sheets.
So, the complete formula is =BASE(A2,B2)
Step 3: Press Enter key.
We need to see the result in cell C2. Now, using AutoFill option, we can find the result in other cells such as cells C3 and C4, as shown in the below image.
Likewise, we can convert numbers into different base in Google sheets.
Using BASE function, we can convert value in 3 ways.
Binary: This option converts numbers into binary representation
Hexadecimal: This method converts numbers into hexadecimal format
Custom base conversion: This option converts values into custom base representation
BASE function in Google sheets may not work because
Users may use this function with non-numeric values
The values are not in the correct format with the arguments
Using base which is not supported by the BASE formula in Google sheets
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