The CODE function with example in Excel

The CODE function in Excel returns a numeric code for the first character in a text string. This numeric code is based on the character set used by your computer, which is often the ASCII character set in Windows.

Syntax

excel
CODE(text)

• text: The text string for which you want the numeric code of the first character.

Example

Suppose you want to find the ASCII code of the first character in a string.

1. Basic Usage:
   • Formula: =CODE("A")
   • Result: 65
   • Explanation: The ASCII code for "A" is 65.
2. Another Example:
   • Formula: =CODE("Excel")
   • Result: 69
   • Explanation: The ASCII code for "E" is 69.

Practical Example

Imagine you have a list of characters in column A, and you want to find their corresponding ASCII codes in column B.

1. Enter the following characters in cells A1 to A3:

   • A1: A
   • A2: b
   • A3: 3

2. In cell B1, enter the formula:

   excel
   =CODE(A1)
   

3. Drag the fill handle from B1 to B3 to apply the formula to the other cells.

The results will be:

• B1: 65 (ASCII code for "A")
• B2: 98 (ASCII code for "b")
• B3: 51 (ASCII code for "3")

Step-by-Step Example

1. Input Data:

   • In cell A1, enter: Hello
   • In cell A2, enter: World
   • In cell A3, enter: 123

2. Use the CODE Function:

   • In cell B1, enter the formula:

     excel
     =CODE(A1)
     

   • In cell B2, enter the formula:

     excel
     =CODE(A2)
     

   • In cell B3, enter the formula:

     excel
     =CODE(A3)
     

3. Results:

   • B1: 72 (ASCII code for "H")
   • B2: 87 (ASCII code for "W")
   • B3: 49 (ASCII code for "1")

Example with Special Characters

If you want to find the ASCII code of a special character:

1. In cell A1, enter: !
2. In cell B1, enter the formula:

   excel
   =CODE(A1)
   

3. The result in cell B1 will be:
   • 33 (ASCII code for "!")

These examples illustrate how the CODE function can be used to find the ASCII codes of characters in Excel, allowing for a variety of text analysis and processing tasks.