CHAR
Returns the character specified by a numeric ASCII code.
CHAR(number)Arguments
numberNumber between 1 and 255
=CHAR(65)Character for code 65
=CHAR(10)Inserts new line
=A1&CHAR(10)&B1Combines with line break
- •CHAR(10) is line break in cells
- •CHAR(9) is tab character
- •Use with CODE for transformations
- •Passing a number outside the valid 1-255 range, which raises a #VALUE! error since CHAR only maps to your system's character set within that range
- •Confusing CHAR with UNICHAR - CHAR is limited to the 1-255 ANSI range, while UNICHAR can represent the full range of Unicode characters, including symbols and emoji outside that basic set
- •Using CHAR(10) for a line break inside a cell without also enabling Wrap Text on that cell, so the line break is technically present in the value but doesn't visually display as expected
CODEPerforms the reverse operation - returns the numeric code of a given character rather than converting a code into a character.UNICHARHandles the full Unicode range rather than CHAR's more limited 1-255 ANSI character set.REPTOften paired with CHAR to repeat a specific special character, like a bullet or separator symbol, a set number of times.Why does CHAR return #VALUE!?
The number supplied is outside the valid 1-255 range that CHAR supports. Use UNICHAR instead if you need a character outside that range.
How do I insert a line break inside a cell using CHAR?
Use CHAR(10) inside a text formula, and make sure Wrap Text is enabled on the cell, or the line break won't be visible even though it's part of the underlying value.
What's the difference between CHAR and UNICHAR?
CHAR only covers the 1-255 ANSI character range, while UNICHAR supports the full Unicode character set, including a much wider range of symbols and international characters.
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