How To Convert Indices (row,col) into Excel-Style A1:C1 Strings (198112)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual C++ 4.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition 5.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition 5.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Learning Edition 6.0
This article was previously published under Q198112

SUMMARY

Sometimes it is necessary to convert numerical indices (row,column) into Excel-style "A1:C1" string notation. This can be confusing because after "Z," Excel starts using "BA," "BB," etc. This article contains a function you can use in your code to do this conversion for you.

MORE INFORMATION

C++ code: 

   // Converts (row,col) indices to an Excel-style A1:C1 string
   char *IndexToString(int row, int col, char *strResult)
   {
      if(col > 26)
         sprintf(strResult, "%c%c%d",
            'A'+(col-1)/26-1, 'A'+(col-1)%26, row);
      else
         sprintf(strResult, "%c%d", 'A' + (col-1)%26, row);

      return strResult;
   }
Some examples of the conversion:

Calling IndexToString() with row=1 and col=26 yields "Z1"
Calling IndexToString() with row=1 and col=27 yields "AA1"
Calling IndexToString() with row=2 and col=52 yields "AZ2"
Calling IndexToString() with row=2 and col=53 yields "BA2"
Calling IndexToString() with row=10 and col=10 yields "J10"

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:3/21/2005
Keywords:kbhowto KB198112
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