This article describes the formula syntax and usage of the COMPLEX  function in Microsoft Excel.

Description

Converts real and imaginary coefficients into a complex number of the form x + yi or x + yj.

Syntax

COMPLEX(real_num, i_num, [suffix])

The COMPLEX function syntax has the following arguments:

  • Real_num    Required. The real coefficient of the complex number.

  • I_num    Required. The imaginary coefficient of the complex number.

  • Suffix    Optional. The suffix for the imaginary component of the complex number. If omitted, suffix is assumed to be "i".

Note: All complex number functions accept "i" and "j" for suffix, but neither "I" nor "J". Using uppercase results in the #VALUE! error value. All functions that accept two or more complex numbers require that all suffixes match.

Remarks

  • If real_num is nonnumeric, COMPLEX returns the #VALUE! error value.

  • If i_num is nonnumeric, COMPLEX returns the #VALUE! error value.

  • If suffix is neither "i" nor "j", COMPLEX returns the #VALUE! error value.

Example

Copy the example data in the following table, and paste it in cell A1 of a new Excel worksheet. For formulas to show results, select them, press F2, and then press Enter. If you need to, you can adjust the column widths to see all the data.

Formula

Description

Result

=COMPLEX(3,4)

Complex number with 3 and 4 as the real and imaginary coefficients

3+4i

=COMPLEX(3,4,"j")

Complex number with 3 and 4 as the real and imaginary coefficients, and j as the suffix

3+4j

=COMPLEX(0,1)

Complex number with 0 and 1 as the real and imaginary coefficients

i

=COMPLEX(1,0)

Complex number with 1 and 0 as the real and imaginary coefficients

1

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.