The Excel CHAR function turns a code number (1–255, the ANSI character set) into the character it stands for. Its star use by a mile: CHAR(10) drops a line break inside a formula — the thing you can’t type with the Enter key. It also conjures characters that fight with formula syntax, like the double quote CHAR(34). For emoji, checkmarks, and anything beyond code 255, use UNICHAR instead.
CHAR(10) is the line-break character. One catch: the break stays invisible until you turn on Home › Wrap Text for the formula cell.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
number | Required | A number from 1 to 255 identifying the character in your computer’s ANSI character set. Decimals are truncated; anything outside 1–255 returns #VALUE!. |
Available in: every version of Excel. CHAR is the inverse of CODE: =CODE(CHAR(65)) gives 65 back, and =CHAR(CODE("A")) gives "A" back.
Line breaks and other useful codes
Build a two-line mailing label from street and city columns — the formula in C2 joins them with CHAR(10), and Wrap Text is switched on for column C:
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Street | City | Mailing label |
| 2 | 410 Pecan St | Dallas, TX 75201 | 410 Pecan St Dallas, TX 75201 |
| 3 | 88 Main Ave | Plano, TX 75074 | 88 Main Ave Plano, TX 75074 |
The handful of codes worth memorizing:
| Formula | Returns | Why you’d want it |
|---|---|---|
=CHAR(10) | line break | Multi-line text inside one cell, built by formula. |
=CHAR(34) | " (double quote) | Put a literal quote in a formula without the """" dance. |
=CHAR(149) | • (bullet) | Bulleted lists assembled by formula. |
=CHAR(160) | non-breaking space | The web’s sneaky fake space — usually you’re removing it with SUBSTITUTE. |
=CHAR(169) | © | Copyright symbol without hunting through Insert › Symbol. |
=CHAR(176) | ° | Degree sign for temperatures and angles. |
Cleaning web data is a classic combo — swap non-breaking spaces for real ones, then tidy up:
Try it: interactive CHAR demo
Pick a useful code — or type any number from 1 to 255 — and see the character CHAR returns.
Errors & common pitfalls
Pitfall: CHAR(10) "does nothing." The line break is there — you just can’t see it. Select the formula cell and turn on Home › Wrap Text. Without it, the two lines render as one with no visible gap.
#VALUE! — number out of range. CHAR only accepts 1 through 255. Zero, negatives, and anything larger fail. For codes above 255 (checkmarks, em dashes, emoji, ™ at 8482) use UNICHAR.
Pitfall: codes 128–159 are platform quirks. That stretch of the ANSI table differs between Windows, old Macs, and other systems — CHAR(149) is a bullet on Windows but not guaranteed everywhere. For portable symbols, UNICHAR(8226) is the safer bullet.
Pitfall: line breaks for CSV or other systems. Excel on Windows uses CHAR(10) alone for in-cell breaks, but some downstream systems expect CHAR(13) & CHAR(10) (carriage return + line feed). If an export looks wrong, that pair is the usual fix.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
How do I insert a line break in an Excel formula?
CHAR(10): =A2 & CHAR(10) & B2. Then turn on Wrap Text for the cell (Home › Wrap Text) — without it the break is invisible.Why isn't CHAR(10) working in my formula?
What's the difference between CHAR and UNICHAR?
How do I put a double quote inside a formula's text?
"""" means one quote character) or use CHAR(34), which many people find more readable: =CHAR(34) & A2 & CHAR(34) wraps A2 in quotes.What is CHAR(160) and why does it break my formulas?
=SUBSTITUTE(A2, CHAR(160), " "), then TRIM.Master functions like this in one day
This page covers one function. Our Excel Formulas and Functions class covers the 30 that matter most — live, hands-on, taught by professionals in Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Oklahoma City, Denver, or online.
See the Formulas & Functions Class