CHAR Formula in Excel: Explained

In this article you will learn how to use the CHAR function in Excel.

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What does the CHAR function in Excel do?

The CHAR formula in Excel returns a character specified by a number. You can use this formula to insert special characters, such as line breaks or non-printable characters, into a cell.

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What are the uses of the CHAR formula in Excel?

The CHAR function in Excel is used to convert a number into its corresponding character in the Unicode character set. Some common uses of the CHAR formula include:

1. Creating special characters: The CHAR formula can insert special characters, such as the copyright symbol (©) or the degree symbol (°), into a cell.
2. Removing unwanted characters: You can use the CHAR formula to remove unwanted characters, such as line breaks or carriage returns, from a cell. For example, you could use the formula =SUBSTITUTE(A1,CHAR(10)," ") to replace line breaks with spaces.
3. Generating random characters: The CHAR formula can be used in combination with other formulas, such as RAND, to generate random characters. For example, you could use the formula =CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65,90)) to generate a random uppercase letter.
4. Working with non-printable characters: The CHAR formula can work with non-printable characters, such as the null character or the tab character, which are represented by ASCII values. For example, you could use the formula =IF(A1=CHAR(9),"Tab","Not Tab") to check if a cell contains a tab character.

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How to Use the CHAR function in Excel?

The syntax for using the CHAR formula in Excel is as follows:

=CHAR(number)

'number' is an integer that represents the Unicode value of the character you want to insert.

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For example, the formula =CHAR(63) will insert a ? character into a cell. Similarly, the formula =CHAR(176) will insert the degree symbol (°) into a cell.

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Note: Not all Unicode values correspond to printable characters, so you may see blank spaces or other unexpected results if you enter a value that does not correspond to a printable character.

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You can learn about other Excel and Google Sheets formulas and tips that are not mentioned here on this page: LiveFlow‘s How to Guides