Excel - CHAR Function



CHAR Function

Advanced Excel functions are the most potent ingredients for resolving massive real-time case problems. The EXCEL CHAR function retrieves the characters provided by the code integer. Data analysts consistently use this function to streamline workflows by inserting eye-catching codes like checkmarks, bullet points, arrows, and many more. For example, CHAR (169) permits Excel experts to embed the copyright symbol, and CHAR(10) is used for line breaks, which means splitting text items into a single cell.

Compatibility

This advanced Excel function is compatible with the following versions of MS-Excel −

  • Excel for Microsoft 365
  • Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac
  • Excel for the web
  • Excel 2024
  • Excel 2024 for Mac
  • Excel 2021
  • Excel 2021 for Mac
  • Excel 2019
  • Excel 2016
  • Excel 2013
  • Excel 2010
  • Excel 2007

Syntax

The syntax of the CHAR function is as follows −

CHAR (number)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the CHAR function −

Argument Description Required / Optional
Number A numeric value between 1 and 255 and its associated character will be retrieved.In Windows, the character is extracted from the ANSI character set. Required

Points To Remember

  • If a number specified in the first argument does not lie in the range from 1 to 255, then, in this case, the CHAR function will return a #VALUE! error.
  • If the delimiter/special symbols are specified in the first argument, then the CHAR function will not work.
  • In Excel for the web, the numbers between 1 and 8, 11, and 12 and the range from 14 to 31 cannot be specified in the Number argument as the CHAR function will not be executed for these numbers.
  • The CHAR function works seamlessly in the Mac OS and Windows.

Use of CHAR Function

Various steps are written below to utilize the CHAR function:

  • Deliberate a new Excel worksheet.
  • Select the designated cell and double-click on it.
  • Type the =sign and then CHAR(cell reference/valid number).
  • Hit the Enter.

Examples of CHAR Function

Practice the following examples to learn the use of the CHAR function in Excel.

Example 1

Step 1 − Assume the sample dataset consists of two columns named ANSI number and Character.

Two Columns Named ANSI Number and Character

Step 2 − Select the C3 cell, write the formula =CHAR(B3), and hit the Enter tab.

Write Formula CHAR(B3) in C3 Cell

Therefore, the CHAR function will return the B character represented by the 66 number.

CHAR Function Will Return B Character

Step 3 − Select the C3 cell, drag the + sign at its bottom right boundary, and drop it into the C7 cell to imply the CHAR function.

C7 Cell to imply CHAR Function

Example 2: Create a Bullet List Using CHAR Function

To create a bullet list in Excel using the CHAR function, you can insert a bullet point () into a cell by utilizing its Unicode character code.

Step 1 − Consider the sample dataset, which comprises two columns titled Product Category and Char function.

Step 2 − First, write the formula =CHAR(149) & B2 in the C2 cell and hit Enter. In this expression, the CHAR(149) function creates the bullet point, further concatenated with the B2 cell reference.

How to Create Bullet list using CHAR 1

After that, hit the Enter tab to get the result.

How to Create Bullet list using CHAR 2

Step 3 − Select the C2 cell, use the fill handle(+) at the right-bottom corner of this cell, and place it into the C6 cell to concatenate the bullet point with each cell reference.

Bullet Point with Each Cell Reference

Download Practice Sheet

You can download and use the sample data sheet to practice the CHAR function.

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