CHAR Function

Summary

The Excel CHAR function returns the character that matches a numeric code. For example, =CHAR(65) returns "A". It is the reverse of CODE.

CHAR is often used when a formula needs a character that is awkward to type directly, such as a line break or a special symbol. The best-known example is CHAR(10), which inserts a new line inside a cell.

In practice, CHAR often appears in formatting and cleanup formulas. A workbook might use CHAR(10) for a line break, CHAR(32) for a normal space, or a punctuation code when building a label from smaller pieces.

So CHAR is less about typing letters and more about controlling output. When a formula needs to generate a character on demand, especially one that is invisible or awkward to type, CHAR gives you a reliable way to do it.

Syntax

=CHAR(number)

number is the code you want to convert. In Excel, CHAR is usually used with values from 1 to 255. If the code is outside the valid range for CHAR, the formula returns an error.

Arguments

• number - [Required] The numeric code for the character you want to return.

CHAR vs Other Functions

CHAR works with traditional character codes, while UNICHAR is the modern Unicode version. CODE and CHAR also work as opposites: CODE gives you the number for a character, and CHAR turns that number back into the character.

Using CHAR

The most common use of CHAR is adding a line break in a formula. You cannot press Enter directly inside a text formula, but CHAR(10) inserts the line break character for you. To see it properly, the cell usually needs Wrap Text enabled.

CHAR is also useful for symbols such as quotation marks, tabs, and degree signs. In these cases, it can be easier and safer to use the code than to type the character directly inside a long formula.

• Use CHAR(10) for a line break inside a formula.
• Use CHAR when a symbol is easier to refer to by code than to type directly.
• Use UNICHAR instead when the needed symbol is outside the usual CHAR range.

Example 1 - Getting a Character from a Number

This is the direct use of CHAR. A numeric code is converted into its matching character.

=CHAR(65)  // "A"
=CHAR(97)  // "a"
=CHAR(48)  // "0"

Example 2 - Adding a Line Break Between Two Values

This is the CHAR example most Excel users meet first. The formula joins two values with a line break so they appear on separate lines inside one cell.

="Hello"&CHAR(10)&"World"
=TEXTJOIN(CHAR(10),TRUE,A1:A5)

Example 3 - Inserting a Special Symbol

CHAR can insert symbols into labels and measurements. That makes it useful when a formula should produce a finished text result such as a temperature reading.

=B3&CHAR(176)&"C"   // 25°C
=CHAR(34)&"Quoted"&CHAR(34)

Example 4 - Using a Code Stored in Another Cell

The code does not have to be typed directly into the formula. You can store it in another cell and let CHAR read it there.

=CHAR(C4)
// If C4 = 36, the result is "$"

Codes above the basic range can vary more by platform and font. If you need a symbol that should be consistent across modern systems, UNICHAR is usually the better choice.

Conclusion Recap

CHAR is a small function, but it solves a lot of practical text problems. This lesson showed that it turns a numeric code into a character, which is useful when typing the character directly would be awkward or less clear inside a formula.

The most common beginner use is still CHAR(10) for a line break, but the examples also showed how it helps with symbols like degree signs and quotes. Once you know a few common codes, CHAR becomes a handy text-building tool.

• Summary: CHAR converts a numeric code into a character.
• Syntax: =CHAR(number).
• Key point: CHAR is especially useful for line breaks and common symbols.
• Practical usage: Multi-line text, degree signs, quotes, and other inserted characters.
• Best pattern: Use CHAR(10) when a formula needs a new line inside one cell.