CODE function
CODE returns the numeric code of the first character in a text string. It's a diagnostic tool: when two cells look identical but won't match, CODE reveals hidden characters such as a nonbreaking space (160), a tab (9) or a line break (10).
- Available in
- Every current version
- Category
- Text functions
- Returns
- A number: the code of the first character.
Syntax
=CODE(text)
| Argument | Required? | What it is |
|---|---|---|
text | Required | The text whose first character you want to identify. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B2 | =CODE(A2) | 65 | Capital A is code 65 |
| B3 | =CODE(A3) | 97 | Lowercase a is 97, so case changes the code |
| B4 | =CODE(A4) | 32 | A leading space shows up as 32 |
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
| Text | Result |
| Apple | 65 |
| apple | 97 |
| Pear | 32 |
Practice CODE
Graded instantly, then re-checked on changed data.
Spot hidden characters
B2, return the code of the first character of the SKU in A2, so the odd ones stand out. Fill down to B6.Common mistakes
| What you see | Why, and how to fix it |
|---|---|
| #VALUE! | The cell is empty. Guard it: =IF(A2="","",CODE(A2)). |
| It only checks one character | CODE ignores everything after the first character. To check another position, combine it with MID: =CODE(MID(A2,5,1)). |
Tips
- See what a trailing character really is with =CODE(RIGHT(A2)).
Questions
How do I find hidden characters in Excel?
Check the first and last characters with =CODE(LEFT(A2)) and =CODE(RIGHT(A2)). 32 is a space, 160 a nonbreaking space, 10 a line break and 9 a tab.
What is the opposite of CODE?
CHAR. =CHAR(65) returns A, and =CODE("A") returns 65.
Last reviewed October 2026. Every example result on this page is calculated live by the Spreadsheet Practice formula engine.