The BITLSHIFT function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool for bit manipulation, enabling users to shift the binary representation of a number to the left by a specified number of positions. This function is particularly useful in scenarios involving low-level data processing or calculations that depend on binary arithmetic.

Syntax

BITLSHIFT(value, shift_amount)

• value: The integer input that you want to shift. This is the numeric value in its binary form.
• shift_amount: The number of positions to shift the binary representation of the value to the left. This is often a positive integer.

Example #1

=BITLSHIFT(4, 2)

This function takes the number 4, which in binary is 0100, and shifts it two positions to the left. The result is 16, as the binary representation becomes 10000.

Example #2

=BITLSHIFT(3, 1)

By shifting the number 3, represented in binary as 0011, one position to the left, the output is 6, since the binary form changes to 0110.

Example #3

=BITLSHIFT(7, 3)

This function call shifts the binary representation of 7 (which is 0111) three positions to the left, producing the result 56, with the new binary form being 111000.

Error handling

• NUM! This error occurs if “shift_amount” is a negative number or exceeds the range of bit shifts allowable for the data type.
• VALUE! This error arises if “value” is not a valid integer, indicating that the input is not suitable for bit manipulation.

Conclusion

In summary, the BITLSHIFT function in Google Sheets serves as an essential tool for anyone working with binary data and requires efficient bit manipulation. By understanding its syntax and how to properly implement it, users can enhance their data processing skills and perform complex calculations with ease.