Many teachers focus on Excel’s basic functions like SUM, AVERAGE, and IF, but one underrated function that can make data handling more powerful and real-world applicable is CONVERT. This function allows users to convert values between different measurement units—making it a practical tool in finance, science, and engineering.

The CONVERT() function is especially useful when working with temperature, weight, distance, and time conversions. Since students often work with various data sets in different units, understanding how to switch between them quickly can be a game-changer.

Why Teach CONVERT()?

1. Brings real-world relevance – Students interact with different measurement units daily, from weather forecasts (Celsius vs Fahrenheit) to weight measurements in kilograms vs pounds.
2. Enhances problem-solving skills – Using a function like CONVERT introduces logical thinking in solving real-life conversion problems.
3. Reduces errors in manual conversions – Instead of memorising formulas, students can automate unit changes with accuracy.

How to Introduce CONVERT() in Class

Start by showing the basic syntax:

• number: The value you want to convert
• from_unit: The unit of the original value
• to_unit: The unit you want to convert to

The best way to demonstrate this is through real-life scenarios that students can relate to.

1. Converting Temperature: Celsius to Fahrenheit

Ask students: Have you ever wondered how weather reports in the US differ from those in South Africa?

Example:

This converts 25°C to Fahrenheit. The output will be 77°F.

Classroom Activity:
Give students a list of city temperatures in Celsius and ask them to convert them to Fahrenheit using Excel.

Variation: Extend this by converting Fahrenheit to Kelvin or vice versa.

2. Converting Weight: Kilograms to Pounds

Scenario: Imagine you are shopping online for weights at an international store that only lists weights in pounds (lbs), but you need them in kilograms.

Example:

This converts 10 kg to pounds (approx. 22.05 lbs).

Classroom Activity:
Provide a mock online shopping spreadsheet with product weights in kg and ask students to convert them to lbs.

Variation: Convert grams to ounces for cooking-related data.

3. Converting Distance: Kilometres to Miles

Scenario: A student is training for an international marathon and needs to convert distances from km to miles.

Example:

This converts 5 km to miles (~3.11 mi).

Classroom Activity:
Provide a list of marathon distances in km and ask students to convert them into miles.

Variation: Convert cm to inches for height-related comparisons.

4. Converting Time: Days to Years

Scenario: How old are you in years if you have lived for 5,000 days?

Example:

This converts 5,000 days to years (about 13.7 years).

Classroom Activity:
Ask students to calculate:

• Their own age in days and convert it into years.
• The time left until they turn 21 in both days and years.

Variation: Convert hours to minutes or seconds for a speed calculation exercise.

The CONVERT function is simple but incredibly powerful, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. By incorporating practical exercises around temperature, weight, distance, and time, students will better understand the importance of Excel beyond just number crunching.