The Excel N function returns a number when given a value. The N function can be used to convert TRUE and FALSE to 1 and 0 respectively. When given a text value, the N function returns zero.
Syntax:= N (value)
The N function syntax has the following arguments: Value Required. The value you want converted. N converts values listed in the following table.
| If value is or refers to | N returns |
|---|---|
| A number | That number |
| A date, in one of the built-in date formats available in Microsoft Excel | The serial number of that date |
| TRUE | 1 |
| FALSE | 0 |
| An error value, such as #DIV/0! | The error value |
| Anything else |
0 |
Example: Let’s look at some Excel N function examples and explore how to use the N function as a worksheet function in Microsoft Excel:
Syntax: =N(A2)
Result:
Based on the Excel spreadsheet above, the following N examples would return:
Syntax: =N(A3)
Result: 0
Syntax: =N(A4)
Result: 0
Syntax: =N(A5)
Result: -2020
Syntax: =N(A6)
Result: 0.003
Syntax: =N(A7)
Result: 44190
Syntax: =N(A8)
Result: 0
Syntax: =N(A9)
Result: #N/A
Note:
- When range of cells given as argument, the function only checks the first cell of the array as returns TRUE or FALSE based only on the first cell.
- The function returns 1 for TRUE logical value but returns 0 for FALSE.
