How to Convert Units in Excel (kg to lb, cm to inches)
Excel has a CONVERT function, but its unit codes are cryptic and it throws #N/A the moment you mismatch them. Here's the formula way, and a one-click way that converts a whole column, offline.
Last updated: August 2026
| From | To | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | → | 11.02 lb |
| 30 cm | → | 11.81 in |
| 100 °C | → | 212 °F |
Method — the CONVERT function
- In a new column:
=CONVERT(A2, "kg", "lbm")for kilograms to pounds. - The codes aren't obvious — pound-mass is
lbm, yard isyd, fluid ounce isoz— and a wrong one returns#N/A. - It also errors if the two units aren't the same kind, and doesn't cover every unit you might need. Then you copy and paste as values.
Fine for the odd cell; a chore when you just want a column read in different units.
The 1-click way — Tellsheet's Unit Converter
Select the column and run Unit Converter. Choose a category — length (mm/cm/m/km/in/ft/yd/mi), mass (mg/g/kg/t/oz/lb), volume (ml/l/gal/qt/cup/fl oz), temperature (°C/°F/K), or data (B/KB/MB/GB/TB) — then pick a From and a To in that category. It previews, converts every number in place, and runs offline on your computer. Pairs with Round Numbers and Batch Calculate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert kg to lb across a column?
Pick mass, then kg → lb in the Unit Converter and it converts the whole selection — 5 kg becomes 11.02 lb. No unit codes to remember.
Which categories are supported?
Length, mass, volume, temperature, and data size. You convert within a category, not across them.
Why does CONVERT return #N/A?
Usually a mistyped unit code or two units of different kinds. The Unit Converter avoids both by giving you a From/To list per category.
Does it need the internet?
No — it runs entirely offline inside Excel; nothing is uploaded.
Related Excel guides
Convert a column of units in one click
Unit Converter reads your numbers in a different unit — kg to lb, cm to inches, °C to °F — in place, offline, with a preview first.
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