The Excel HEX2OCT function converts a hexadecimal (base-16) number to octal (base-8) — a staple for digital electronics, low-level programming, and bit manipulation.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
number | Required | The hexadecimal number to convert, as text or a value. |
places | Optional | Pad the result to this many characters with leading zeros (useful for fixed-width output). |
How to use it
HEX2OCT converts a hexadecimal (base-16) value to octal (base-8). The result is returned as text, so pad it with the optional places argument for fixed-width displays.
Round-trip tip: every conversion has an inverse — pair this with the reverse function to validate. All base functions cap inputs at 10 characters (signed), so very large numbers need a different approach.
Try it: interactive demo
Type a hexadecimal value and watch it convert to octal.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
Why is the HEX2OCT result text, not a number?
What is the places argument for?
Why do I get #NUM!?
How do negative numbers work?
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