Can CHAR return characters above 255 in Google Sheets?

Yes. Its input is a Unicode code point, so values such as 8364 work, unlike in Excel where you would use UNICHAR.

Google Sheets function

CHAR in Google Sheets

CHAR in Google Sheets accepts Unicode code points beyond 255, so CHAR(8364) returns the euro sign.

CHAR(number)

Excel’s CHAR stops at 255, which is why Excel has the separate UNICHAR.

For a fuller explanation of the arguments and common errors, see the CHAR Excel guide.

	A
1	Code
2	65

Formula: C2: =CHAR(A2)

Result: A

65 is the capital A in ASCII.

	A
1	Position
2	5

Formula: C2: =CHAR(64+A2)

Result: E

Adding 64 maps 1 to A, 2 to B and so on, so 5 gives E.

	A
1	Word
2	hi

Formula: C2: ="He said "&CHAR(34)&A2&CHAR(34)

Result: He said "hi"

CHAR(34) is the double quote, which cannot be typed directly inside a quoted formula string.

A tiny spreadsheet with example data. Edit the formula or any number and see the result.

Formula in D2: =CHAR(65)

Result in D2: A

Can CHAR return characters above 255 in Google Sheets?: Yes. Its input is a Unicode code point, so values such as 8364 work, unlike in Excel where you would use UNICHAR.

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