UNICHAR Function

Summary

The Excel UNICHAR function returns the Unicode character that matches a numeric code point. For example, =UNICHAR(65) returns "A", and =UNICHAR(8364) returns "€".

UNICHAR is the modern counterpart to CHAR. It is useful when you want to generate symbols that are outside the older CHAR range, such as international currency signs, mathematical symbols, and other Unicode characters.

That makes UNICHAR more than a symbol trick. It is useful whenever the sheet needs to generate a character from a known code point, whether for display, labels, helper icons, or reconstruction after analysis. In modern workbooks, it is the more flexible choice when the required symbol sits outside the older CHAR range.

Syntax

=UNICHAR(number)

number is the Unicode code point you want to convert into a character.

Arguments

• number - [Required] The Unicode code point of the character you want to return.

UNICHAR vs Other Functions

UNICHAR and UNICODE work together, just as CHAR and CODE work together. UNICHAR returns the character, while UNICODE returns the number behind that character.

Using UNICHAR

UNICHAR is useful when a worksheet needs a symbol but the formula should build that symbol directly instead of relying on manual typing. That can help with currency signs, status markers, mathematical notation, and similar display elements.

It also works well with IF formulas. For example, one code point can represent a filled symbol and another can represent an empty one, making it possible to build simple text-based indicators inside cells.

• Use UNICHAR when you know the code point and need the character.
• Use UNICHAR for modern symbols that are outside the older CHAR range.
• Use UNICODE if you need to identify a symbol before generating it again with UNICHAR.

Example 1 - Generating a Currency Symbol

This example shows a common use of UNICHAR. The formula takes a Unicode number and returns the matching currency symbol.

=UNICHAR(8364) // "€"

Example 2 - Generating a Mathematical Symbol

UNICHAR can return symbols used in technical, scientific, or educational work. That makes it useful when the worksheet needs more than plain letters and numbers.

=UNICHAR(8721) // "∑"

Example 3 - Generating a Visual Symbol

UNICHAR can also be used for simple icons and markers inside a sheet. A star, check mark, or box symbol can make a status column easier to scan.

=UNICHAR(9733) // "★"

Example 4 - Returning a Character from a Cell Value

The code point does not need to be typed into the formula. It can come from another cell, which makes the symbol dynamic.

=UNICHAR(A1)
// If A1 = 8364, the result is "€"

Not every font displays every Unicode symbol well, so a generated character may look different depending on the workbook font. The formula still returns the same Unicode character even if the visual appearance changes.

Conclusion Recap

UNICHAR is helpful when you know the number behind a symbol and want Excel to return the symbol itself. In this lesson, that included currency signs, math symbols, stars, and dynamic characters pulled from a cell value.

That makes UNICHAR a good display tool for reports and helper columns. Just remember the result also depends on font support, so the same character may look a little different even though the code point is correct.

• Summary: UNICHAR converts a Unicode code point into a character.
• Syntax: =UNICHAR(number).
• Key point: UNICHAR is useful for symbols outside the older CHAR range.
• Practical usage: Currency signs, mathematical symbols, status icons, and generated labels.
• Best pattern: Use UNICODE to identify a symbol and UNICHAR to generate it again elsewhere.