The BITXOR function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool that performs a bitwise exclusive OR operation on two numbers. This function allows users to manipulate binary representations of integers, making it particularly useful for tasks involving binary operations, logical conditions, and cryptographic functions. By providing a straightforward way to compute the XOR of two values, BITXOR can enhance data analysis and computational tasks within spreadsheets.

Syntax

BITXOR(value1, value2)

• value1: The first integer input for the XOR operation.
• value2: The second integer input for the XOR operation.

Example #1

=BITXOR(5, 3)

This function calculates the bitwise XOR of 5 and 3. In binary, 5 is represented as 101 and 3 as 011. The XOR operation yields 110, which is 6 in decimal. Result: 6.

Example #2

=BITXOR(10, 4)

This function computes the bitwise XOR of 10 and 4. In binary, 10 is 1010 and 4 is 0100. The result of the XOR operation gives 1110, which equals 14 in decimal. Result: 14.

Example #3

=BITXOR(-1, 1)

This call executes a bitwise XOR between -1 and 1. In binary, -1 is represented with all bits set to 1, and 1 is represented as 0001. The XOR gives 1110, equivalent to -2 in two’s complement notation. Result: -2.

Error handling

• VALUE!: This error occurs when non-integer values are provided as inputs for the function.
• NUM!: This error arises if the inputs exceed the size limit of integers that can be processed.

Conclusion

The BITXOR function in Google Sheets is a valuable asset for anyone needing to perform bitwise operations on integers. With its simple syntax and accessibility, it opens up numerous possibilities for data manipulation and analytical tasks, making it a fundamental function for users dealing with binary data.