UNICHAR
Returns the Unicode character that corresponds to the given numeric code. Supports the full Unicode range, unlike CHAR which is limited to ANSI.
UNICHAR(number)Arguments
numberA Unicode code point between 1 and 1114111 (0x10FFFF).
=UNICHAR(65)Returns the character 'A'
=UNICHAR(8364)Returns the Euro sign
=UNICHAR(128512)Returns an emoji character
- •Available since Excel 2013
- •Use UNICODE for the reverse operation (character → Unicode value)
- •Returns #VALUE! if the number is 0, negative, or outside the valid Unicode range
- •Useful for inserting special characters that aren't on the keyboard
- •Passing a number outside the valid Unicode range (1 to 1114111), which raises a #VALUE! error rather than returning some kind of placeholder character
- •Confusing UNICHAR with CHAR - CHAR is limited to the 1-255 ANSI range, while UNICHAR can represent the full range of Unicode characters, including symbols, emoji, and scripts outside that basic set
- •Forgetting that the resulting character's actual appearance depends on the font applied to the cell - some fonts don't include glyphs for less common Unicode characters and will show a placeholder box instead
UNICODEPerforms the reverse operation - returns the numeric Unicode code point of a given character rather than converting a code point into a character.CHARHandles the more limited 1-255 ANSI character range, rather than UNICHAR's full Unicode support.REPTOften paired with UNICHAR to repeat a specific Unicode character, like a symbol or emoji, a set number of times.Why does UNICHAR return #VALUE!?
The number supplied is outside the valid Unicode range of 1 to 1114111. Double-check the code point you're using against a Unicode reference table.
What's the difference between UNICHAR and CHAR?
CHAR only covers the 1-255 ANSI character range, while UNICHAR supports the full Unicode character set, including a much wider range of symbols, emoji, and international scripts.
Why does UNICHAR's result show as a box or question mark instead of the expected character?
The cell's font probably doesn't include a glyph for that particular Unicode character - try switching to a font with broader Unicode coverage, like Segoe UI Symbol or Arial Unicode MS.
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