CHAR Function – Google Sheets

The CHAR function in Google Sheets allows you to convert a number to a character, such as a special symbol, based on the Unicode table.

The CHAR function can be used to insert a variety of special characters into Google Sheets. Using the Unicode code points for these characters, you can add a touch of personality and flair to your spreadsheets.

Syntax

The syntax for the CHAR function is as follows:

=CHAR(number)

The number argument is the Unicode code point for the character you want to convert. You can find the Unicode code points for various characters on the Unicode Consortium website.

Similar Functions

CODE – Return the Unicode value of the first character in a text string

UNICHAR – Convert a Unicode number to a character (Same as this page’s function)

UNICODE – Return the Unicode value of the first character in a text string (same as CODE)

Here are three examples of how to use the CHAR function in Google Sheets:

Example 1: Smiley Face Emoji

This formula will convert the Unicode code point for the smiley face emoji (128512) to the actual character.

=CHAR(128512)

Example 2: Upward-Pointing Arrow

To insert an arrow symbol into a cell, you would use the following formula:

=CHAR(8593)

This formula will convert the Unicode code point for the upward-pointing arrow symbol (8593) to the actual character.

Example 3: Symbol Combined with Text

You can use the CHAR function combined with the & operator to insert special characters into text strings. For example, you could use the following formula to insert a smiley face emoji into a text string:

="This is a smiley face emoji: " & CHAR(128512)

Insert Symbols Using an Add-On

Use the Insert Special Characters add-on to insert Unicode characters into Google Sheets with no code. This add-on runs in a sidebar where you can search for any character and insert it with one click.

Live Examples in Sheets

Use this spreadsheet to get a copy of these examples.