ARABIC Function (LibreOffice Calc)
The ARABIC function in LibreOffice Calc converts a Roman numeral into an Arabic number. It supports classic and simplified Roman numeral formats and is the inverse of the ROMAN function.
Compatibility
▾| Excel | ✔ |
| Gnumeric | ✔ |
| Google_sheets | ✔ |
| Libreoffice | ✔ |
| Numbers | ✔ |
| Onlyoffice | ✔ |
| Openoffice | ✖ |
| Wps | ✔ |
| Zoho | ✔ |
What the ARABIC Function Does ▾
- Converts Roman numerals → Arabic numbers
- Accepts classic and simplified Roman numeral styles
- Ignores case (uppercase/lowercase both valid)
- Useful for parsing labels, outlines, and formatted text
It is designed to be robust, flexible, and universally compatible.
Syntax ▾
ARABIC(text)
Arguments
- text:
A Roman numeral string (e.g., “XIV”, “MMXXIV”).
Basic Examples ▾
Convert a Roman numeral to a number
=ARABIC("CDXCIX")
Returns 499.
Convert a cell value
=ARABIC(A1)
Lowercase input
=ARABIC("mmxxiv")
Returns 2024.
Simplified Roman numeral
=ARABIC("LDVLIV")
Returns 499.
Advanced Examples ▾
Convert a list of Roman numerals
=ARABIC(A1)
Useful for outlines or imported data.
Convert Roman numeral page numbers
=ARABIC(A1)
Common in front‑matter parsing.
Validate Roman numeral input
=ISNUMBER(ARABIC(A1))
Returns TRUE if A1 contains a valid Roman numeral.
Convert Roman numerals in concatenated labels
=ARABIC(MID(A1; 9; 10))
Extracts and converts embedded Roman numerals.
Convert Roman numerals for sorting
=ARABIC(A1)
Allows numeric sorting of Roman‑labeled items.
Convert Roman numeral years
=ARABIC(A1)
Useful for historical datasets.
Combine with ROMAN for round‑trip conversion
=ROMAN(ARABIC(A1))
Ensures consistent formatting.
Common Errors and Fixes ▾
Err:502 — Invalid argument
Occurs when:
- text is not a valid Roman numeral
- text contains invalid characters
- text is empty
- text is a number instead of a string
ARABIC returns 0
Occurs when:
- text is an empty string
- text is “0” (Roman numerals have no zero)
ARABIC returns unexpected results
Cause:
- Simplified Roman numeral variants
- Lowercase input (still valid)
- Non-standard subtractive forms
Best Practices ▾
- Use ARABIC to parse Roman numeral labels and headings
- Use ROMAN to generate Roman numerals
- Validate input with ISNUMBER(ARABIC())
- Avoid non-standard Roman numeral strings
- Use UPPER() if consistent formatting is required
Related Patterns and Alternatives ▾
- Use ROMAN to convert Arabic → Roman
- Use TEXT for formatting numbers
- Use UPPER to normalize Roman numeral input
- Use CONCATENATE or & for building labels
By mastering ARABIC and its companion functions, you can work seamlessly with Roman numeral data in LibreOffice Calc — whether for formatting, parsing, or historical analysis.