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CHAR Function in Excel

Returns the character specified by a number (ASCII or Unicode code).

Syntax

  • =CHAR(number)

Arguments

  • number (required): Number between 1 and 255

Examples

  • =CHAR(65) - Character for code 65 - Result: A
  • =CHAR(10) - Line break character - Result: Line break

Excel CHAR function documentation

  • CHAR returns a character specified by a numeric code in your system character set.
  • Syntax: =CHAR(number). Frequently used for line breaks, separators, and basic symbols.
  • Use CHAR(10) for line breaks in wrapped cells to improve readability.
  • Text function category: [/categories/text/](/categories/text/).

CHAR syntax and limitations

  • number is required and typically expected in the 1-255 range.
  • Output mapping depends on environment and legacy code-page behavior.
  • For full Unicode coverage, prefer UNICHAR over CHAR.
  • Combine with [TEXT](/functions/text/) for numeric-to-string formatting pipelines.

Step-by-step: add line breaks in invoice cells

  • Step 1 - Prepare label in A2 and value in B2.
  • Step 2 - Use formula: =A2&CHAR(10)&B2.
  • Step 3 - Enable Wrap Text in the destination cell.
  • Step 4 - Use line-break output in printable forms or compact dashboard cards.

CHAR vs UNICHAR vs manual symbols

  • CHAR is simple and fast for standard ASCII-style characters.
  • UNICHAR is better for multilingual and advanced symbol requirements.
  • Manual symbol typing can break consistency across systems and fonts.
  • Keep symbol choices documented in team templates for reuse.

Worked examples to copy

  • Line break: ="Header"&CHAR(10)&"Detail".
  • Tab-like separator: =A2&CHAR(9)&B2.
  • Basic symbol: =CHAR(169).
  • CSV builder: =A2&CHAR(44)&B2&CHAR(44)&C2.

People also ask

  • Why does CHAR(10) not show a new line? - Turn on Wrap Text.
  • CHAR vs UNICHAR? - UNICHAR supports broader Unicode symbols.
  • Can CHAR create bullets? - Yes, depending on font and code mapping.
  • Is CHAR locale-dependent? - Character appearance can vary with code page and font.

Common errors

  • #VALUE! if number is outside 1-255 range

Use cases

  • Insert special characters
  • Line breaks in formulas
  • Character generation

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I add a line break within a cell using a formula? Use CHAR(10) for line break: ="Line 1"&CHAR(10)&"Line 2". Make sure 'Wrap Text' is enabled for the cell to display multiple lines. CHAR(10) is the newline character in Excel.
  • What are common CHAR codes I should know? CHAR(10)=line break, CHAR(9)=tab, CHAR(32)=space, CHAR(34)=quote ("), CHAR(39)=apostrophe, CHAR(65-90)=A-Z uppercase, CHAR(97-122)=a-z lowercase. Use CODE() to find the number for any character.
  • How do I insert a bullet point using CHAR? Use CHAR(149) for bullet (•) or CHAR(8226) with UNICHAR for a standard bullet. For other symbols: CHAR(252)=checkmark in Wingdings font, or use UNICHAR(10003) for ✓ in any font.

Editorial review

  • Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.

When to use CHAR

  • Insert special characters — common Text scenario for CHAR.
  • Line breaks in formulas — common Text scenario for CHAR.
  • Character generation — common Text scenario for CHAR.

CHAR in the Text category

  • Browse all Text functions at /categories/text/ for related formulas.
  • CHAR syntax: =CHAR(number)
  • number (required): Number between 1 and 255
  • Confirm CHAR arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.

Formula checklist before you copy down

  • Confirm CHAR arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.
  • If results look wrong, check for text stored as numbers and invisible spaces with TRIM.
  • Spot-check three known input rows manually against expected output.

Related Excel functions

  • CODE (/functions/code/): Returns the numeric code for the first character in a text string.
  • UNICHAR (/functions/unichar/): Returns the Unicode character for a given number.
  • UNICODE (/functions/unicode/): Returns the Unicode code point for the first character of a text string.

Errors to watch for

  • #VALUE! if number is outside 1-255 range — review causes on linked error pages in the directory.

Copy-paste audit workflow

  • Enter CHAR on three test rows with known expected output documented on a QA tab.
  • Fill down only after absolute references are locked on lookup tables and rate tables.
  • Compare against manual calculation or a calculator for financial and statistical functions.
  • Search this directory for comparison guides when choosing between similar functions in the same category.

CHAR worked examples to copy

  • =CHAR(65) — Character for code 65. Expected result: A.
  • =CHAR(10) — Line break character. Expected result: Line break.

CHAR reference summary for crawlers and offline review

  • CHAR belongs to the Text category in Excel. Returns the character specified by a number (ASCII or Unicode code).
  • Full syntax: =CHAR(number). Open /functions/char/ for parameters, FAQs, and related pages.
  • Common mistakes: #VALUE! if number is outside 1-255 range
  • Pair this function with comparison guides when another Excel formula might fit the same task better.
  • Review fix-excel-formula-errors when unexpected errors appear after upgrading Excel or sharing across locales.