UNICHAR Function

Excel 2013+, Excel 2016+, Excel 2019+, Excel 365+

Summary

The Excel UNICHAR function converts a Unicode number into its corresponding character, enabling you to insert special symbols, emojis, and international characters directly into your spreadsheets using numeric codes.

Syntax

UNICHAR(number)

Parameters

Parameter Type Required Description
number Number Yes The decimal Unicode code point (1 to 1114111) for the desired character

Using the UNICHAR Function

UNICHAR is essential for inserting symbols and special characters that aren't on your keyboard. Use it to add currency symbols, mathematical operators, emojis, or any Unicode character by referencing its numeric code.

Common UNICHAR Examples

Basic Character Lookup

=UNICHAR(66)

Returns uppercase 'B' (Unicode 66)

Space Character

=UNICHAR(32)

Returns space character (Unicode 32)

Copyright Symbol

=UNICHAR(169)

Inserts © symbol

Checkmark

=UNICHAR(10004)

Inserts ✓ checkmark symbol

Frequently Asked Questions

Numbers from 1 to 1114111 (0x10FFFF). Values outside this range return #VALUE! error.

UNICHAR(0) returns #VALUE! error.

Yes! Modern Excel supports color emojis via Unicode (example: =UNICHAR(128516) for 😀).

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE!

Cause: Number is 0, negative, or exceeds 1114111

Solution: Use valid Unicode range 1-1114111

#N/A

Cause: Invalid Unicode surrogate or data type

Solution: Verify the Unicode code point is valid

Notes

  • Maximum Unicode value: 1114111 (U+10FFFF)
  • Supports astral plane characters and emojis
  • Excel may display some characters as boxes if font doesn't support them
  • Use CHAR() for legacy ASCII characters (1-255)
  • UNICHAR is available in Excel 2013 and later

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Excel 365

Not available in: Excel 2010, Excel 2007, Excel 2003, Earlier versions

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2013+, Excel 2016+, Excel 2019+, Excel 365+