CHAR function
CHAR returns the character for a code number. Its everyday use is CHAR(10), the line break, which lets a formula put text on two lines. It also produces characters that are awkward to type in a formula, like the double quote.
- Available in
- Every current version
- Category
- Text functions
- Returns
- A single character.
Syntax
=CHAR(number)
| Argument | Required? | What it is |
|---|---|---|
number | Required | A code from 1 to 255. 10 is a line break, 9 a tab and 34 a double quote. |
Examples
Each result below is calculated from the sample sheet by our formula engine, the same one that grades the practice.
| Cell | Formula | Result | What it shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| D2 | =A2&CHAR(10)&B2 | 12 Oak St Duluth, MN | A two-line address; turn on Wrap Text to see the break |
| D3 | =CHAR(34)&C3&CHAR(34) | "Raj" | A name wrapped in double quotes |
| D4 | =CHAR(65+2) | C | Codes 65 to 90 are the capital letters, so 67 is C |
Try it live
This is the sample sheet. Change any number or text, or edit a formula, and the results update.
Show the sample data as a table
| Street | City | Name | Result |
| 12 Oak St | Duluth, MN | Maya | 12 Oak St Duluth, MN |
| 88 Pine Ave | Fargo, ND | Raj | "Raj" |
| 5 Elm Rd | Rochester, MN | Lee | C |
Practice CHAR
Graded instantly, then re-checked on changed data.
Two-line labels
C2, join the name and the job title with a line break between them, using CHAR(10). Fill down to C6.Common mistakes
| What you see | Why, and how to fix it |
|---|---|
| The line break doesn't show | The cell needs Wrap Text turned on (Home > Wrap Text), or the break stays invisible. |
| Different characters on a Mac | Codes above 127 come from the operating system's character set, so they can differ between Windows and Mac. Stick to codes below 128, or use UNICHAR for a specific Unicode character. |
Tips
- Use CHAR(10) as the delimiter in TEXTJOIN to stack a list in one cell, one item per line.
Questions
How do I add a line break in an Excel formula?
Join with CHAR(10): =A2&CHAR(10)&B2, then turn on Wrap Text for the cell. When typing directly in a cell, press Alt+Enter instead.
What is CHAR(34) in Excel?
The double quote character. It's an easy way to put quotes inside a formula's text without doubling them up.
Last reviewed October 2026. Every example result on this page is calculated live by the Spreadsheet Practice formula engine.