Summary

The Excel IMREAL function returns the real part of a complex number.

Purpose 

Get real part of a complex number

Return value 

The real part of a complex number

Syntax

=IMREAL(inumber)
  • inumber - A string representing a complex number.

How to use 

The IMREAL function returns the real part of a complex number. For example:

=IMREAL("4+3i") // returns 4
Excel handles complex numbers as strings formatted like "x+yi" or "x+yj". Use the COMPLEX function to get the string representing a complex number.

Explanation

A complex number like "2-5i" is drawn as an arrow in the complex plane, where the horizontal axis corresponds to the real part of the number, and the vertical axis corresponds to the imaginary part.

A complex number is drawn as an arrow in the complex plane.

The IMREAL function returns the real part of the number.

=IMREAL("2-5i") // returns 2

Notes:

  • IMREAL returns a #NUM error when the input does not represent a valid complex number.
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Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.