How to use the Excel BITLSHIFT function

Summary

The Excel BITLSHIFT function shifts a number by the specified number of bits, effectively doubling or halving the number a specified number of times.

Purpose

Returns a number shifted left by some number of bits

Return value

Decimal Number

Syntax

=BITLSHIFT (number, shift_amount)

Arguments

number - The number to be bit shifted.
shift_amount - The amount of bits to shift, if negative shifts bits to the right instead.

Usage notes

For any bit shift that results in integer overflow, where the result is larger than 2^48 -1, the function returns the #NUM! error.

How It Works

The shift_amount can either be positive or negative. If a negative number is provided, the bits are shifted to the right instead.

BITLSHIFT Internal Binary Representation

Related functions

Excel BITRSHIFT Function

The Excel BITRSHIFT function shifts a number by the specified number of bits, effectively halving or doubling the number a specified number of times.

Good links

Microsoft BITLSHIFT function documentation

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