In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the CODE function in Google Sheets. The CODE function is a useful tool that allows you to find the Unicode value of the first character in a given text string. This can be helpful when working with different character sets, encoding systems, or when you need to perform specific operations based on character codes.

CODE Syntax

The syntax for the CODE function is quite simple, requiring only one argument:

=CODE(text)

text - The text string for which you want to find the Unicode value of the first character. This can be a cell reference, a text string enclosed in double quotes, or a result of another formula that returns a text string.

CODE Examples

Let's go through some examples to better understand how the CODE function works in Google Sheets.

Example 1: Basic usage of the CODE function

=CODE("A")

This formula will return the Unicode value of the character "A", which is 65.

Example 2: Using a cell reference as the argument

Assume that cell A1 contains the text "Google". To find the Unicode value of the first character in cell A1, use the following formula:

=CODE(A1)

This formula will return the Unicode value of the character "G", which is 71.

Example 3: Combining the CODE function with other functions

Suppose you want to find the Unicode value of the first character in a text string, but you want to make sure the text is in uppercase before checking the Unicode value. You can use the UPPER function in combination with the CODE function:

=CODE(UPPER("google"))

This formula will first convert the text "google" to uppercase ("GOOGLE") and then return the Unicode value of the first character "G", which is 71.

CODE Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the CODE function in Google Sheets:

1. Remember that the CODE function only returns the Unicode value of the first character in the text string. If you need to find the Unicode values of multiple characters in a string, you may need to use additional functions like MID and ARRAYFORMULA.
2. If you need to find the character corresponding to a specific Unicode value, you can use the CHAR function.
3. When working with non-English characters or special symbols, the CODE function can be particularly useful for identifying specific characters and their corresponding Unicode values.

Common Mistakes When Using CODE

Here are some common mistakes users make when working with the CODE function in Google Sheets:

1. Forgetting to enclose text strings in double quotes. When using a text string directly as the argument for the CODE function, make sure to enclose it in double quotes. For example, use =CODE("A") instead of =CODE(A).
2. Trying to find the Unicode value of an empty cell or a cell containing a number. The CODE function is designed to work with text strings, so using it with an empty cell or a cell containing a number may result in an error or an unexpected result.

Why Isn't My CODE Function Working?

If you're having trouble with the CODE function in Google Sheets, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Double-check your formula syntax. Make sure you're using the correct syntax for the CODE function, including the correct number of arguments and proper use of double quotes for text strings.
2. Ensure that the cell you're referencing contains a text string. The CODE function is designed to work with text strings, so if you're referencing a cell that contains a number or is empty, the function may not work as expected.
3. Check for any errors in your formula or in the cells referenced by your formula. If there are errors in your formula or in the cells it references, the CODE function may not work correctly.

CODE: Related Formulae

Here are some related formulae that you might find useful when working with the CODE function in Google Sheets:

1. CHAR: The CHAR function returns the character corresponding to a given Unicode value. It is the inverse of the CODE function.
2. UNICODE: The UNICODE function returns the Unicode value of the first character in a text string, similar to the CODE function. However, the UNICODE function is designed to work with Unicode text, while the CODE function is designed to work with ASCII text.
3. UPPER: The UPPER function converts a text string to uppercase. This can be useful when you want to find the Unicode value of an uppercase character, regardless of the case of the input text.
4. MID: The MID function extracts a specific portion of a text string. You can use this function in combination with the CODE function to find the Unicode values of multiple characters in a text string.
5. ARRAYFORMULA: The ARRAYFORMULA function allows you to perform calculations on entire ranges of data. By combining ARRAYFORMULA with the CODE function, you can find the Unicode values of multiple characters in a range of cells.

With this comprehensive guide, you should now have a solid understanding of the CODE function in Google Sheets, its syntax, examples, tips and tricks, common mistakes, troubleshooting steps, and related formulae. Happy spreadsheeting!