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ExcelExcel 2013+

ARABIC function in Excel

Converts a Roman number to Arabic, as a number

=ARABIC( text )

ARABIC syntax and parameters

One argument, one required.

  • textstringRequired

    A string enclosed in quotation marks, an empty string (""), or a reference to a cell containing text.

ARABIC examples

Formulas you'll actually reuse.

  1. A Roman numeral back to a number:

    =ARABIC("MMXXVI")

    Result2026

  2. The next chapter number from a Roman-numbered heading:

    =ARABIC(A2) + 1

    Result13

ARABIC in Google Sheets

Same name — your formula ports as-is.

Try ARABIC in the playground

Edit the example — nothing to install.

Preloaded with the ARABIC formula from Example 1 — change anything and watch it respond.

Loading the editor…

ARABIC errors

What they mean — and the fixes.

  • #VALUE!

    The text isn't a valid Roman numeral — only I, V, X, L, C, D, M are allowed.

Related functions

More ways Excel gets this done.