What is the syntax for IMREAL in Excel?

The syntax for IMREAL is: =IMREAL(inumber)

What are common errors with IMREAL?

#NUM! if not valid complex number

What is IMREAL used for?

IMREAL extracts the real part from a complex number. For '3+4i', IMREAL returns 3. Complex numbers in Excel are text strings like '3+4i' or '5-2j'. IMREAL is essential for separating components in engineering calculations.

How do I enter complex numbers in Excel?

Enter as text: '3+4i' or use COMPLEX function: =COMPLEX(3,4) creates '3+4i'. Use 'i' or 'j' as the imaginary unit. Always include the sign: '3+4i' not '3 4i'. For negative imaginary: '3-4i'.

How do I convert complex to polar form?

Magnitude (r) = IMABS(z), Angle (θ) = IMARGUMENT(z). For '3+4i': r=5, θ=0.927 radians (53.13°). Polar form: r*(cos(θ)+i*sin(θ)). Use DEGREES(IMARGUMENT(z)) for angle in degrees.

Engineering

IMREAL Function in Excel

Returns the real coefficient of a complex number.

Syntax

=IMREAL(inumber)

Arguments

inumber (required): Complex number

Examples

=IMREAL("3+4i") - Get real part - Result: 3

IMREAL in technical sheets

Document units in adjacent cells — many engineering functions require exact unit strings.
Use [CONVERT](/functions/convert/) for unit changes before specialized formulas.
Validate inputs with [ISNUMBER](/functions/isnumber/) and range checks.

Common errors

#NUM! if not valid complex number

Use cases

Complex number analysis
Engineering
Mathematics

Frequently asked questions

What is IMREAL used for? IMREAL extracts the real part from a complex number. For '3+4i', IMREAL returns 3. Complex numbers in Excel are text strings like '3+4i' or '5-2j'. IMREAL is essential for separating components in engineering calculations.
How do I enter complex numbers in Excel? Enter as text: '3+4i' or use COMPLEX function: =COMPLEX(3,4) creates '3+4i'. Use 'i' or 'j' as the imaginary unit. Always include the sign: '3+4i' not '3 4i'. For negative imaginary: '3-4i'.
How do I convert complex to polar form? Magnitude (r) = IMABS(z), Angle (θ) = IMARGUMENT(z). For '3+4i': r=5, θ=0.927 radians (53.13°). Polar form: r*(cos(θ)+i*sin(θ)). Use DEGREES(IMARGUMENT(z)) for angle in degrees.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.