# Google Sheets UNICODE Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips - URL: https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/unicode-function - Author: Better Analyst Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account, more powerful analysis.Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account and workflows, with more powerful analysis, dashboards, and automation. [Learn what changed](https://betteranalyst.com/formula-bot-is-now-better-analyst) The UNICODE function returns the Unicode value of the first character in a given text string, helping to identify character encoding. ``` UNICODE(text) ``` Generate FormulaExplain Formula One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward. Describe the UNICODE you need in plain EnglishGenerate Formula ## Parameters **`text`**:\ The text string for which you want to obtain the Unicode value of the first character. This can be a direct text string or a cell reference containing the text. ## What is a UNICODE Google Sheets Formula? The *UNICODE* function in Google Sheets is a handy tool that allows users to return the Unicode value of the first character in a given string. This function is particularly useful for text processing, data analysis, and when working with various character sets. By converting characters to their corresponding Unicode values, users can perform a wide range of operations, such as sorting, filtering, and data validation. In simpler terms, the UNICODE function helps you understand and manipulate text data by providing the numerical representation of characters. ## A Practical Example Imagine you are working with a list of product names and you want to analyze the Unicode values of the first character of each product name: ### Products Table: | ProductID | ProductName | | - | - | | 101 | Widget A | | 102 | Widget B | | 103 | Widget C | You want to find the Unicode value of the first character of each product name to categorize them based on their starting letters. ## UNICODE Formula To achieve this, you would use the UNICODE function as follows: ``` =UNICODE(B2) ``` In this formula: - `B2` is the cell containing the ProductName from the Products Table. ## Result of the Formula When you apply the UNICODE formula to the Products Table, the output would look like this: | ProductID | ProductName | Unicode Value | | - | - | - | | 101 | Widget A | 87 | | 102 | Widget B | 87 | | 103 | Widget C | 87 | In this case, the Unicode value for the first character 'W' in all product names is 87. ## Why Use UNICODE? The UNICODE function is beneficial because it allows for deeper text analysis and manipulation. By converting characters to their Unicode values, users can perform operations such as sorting based on character codes, filtering data, and validating inputs. This function is particularly useful in multilingual contexts where different character sets are involved. ## Key Takeaways: - **UNICODE**: A Google Sheets function that returns the Unicode value of the first character in a string. - **Text Analysis**: Useful for analyzing and manipulating text data based on character codes. - **Multilingual Support**: Helps in handling various character sets and languages effectively. - **Common Use Cases**: Ideal for data validation, sorting, and filtering tasks in spreadsheets. The UNICODE function is an essential tool for anyone working with text data in Google Sheets, providing a powerful way to enhance data analysis and processing capabilities. Happy spreadsheeting! ## Example use case You have a list of product names in Column A and need to check their Unicode values for encoding purposes. By using the UNICODE formula in Column B, you can easily convert each product name into its corresponding Unicode value, streamlining data processing. ## Need more help with Google Sheets formulas? Sign up for Better Analyst and get unlimited AI-powered formula generation, explanations, and advanced data analysis. [Create Free Account](https://betteranalyst.com/signup)[Try Formula Generator](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) ## Google Sheets how-to guides - [How To Alphabetize In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-alphabetize-in-google-sheets) - [How To Autofit In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-autofit-in-google-sheets) - [How To Calculate Percentage In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-calculate-percentage-in-google-sheets) - [How To Combine Two Columns In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-combine-two-columns-in-google-sheets) - [How To Copy Formula In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-copy-formula-in-google-sheets) - [How To Count Unique Values In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-count-unique-values-in-google-sheets) - [How To Create A Pivot Table In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-create-a-pivot-table-in-google-sheets) - [How To Divide In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-divide-in-google-sheets) ## Explore all Google Sheets formulas Browse our complete library of Google Sheets formula guides Compare your options ## Decide with evidence, not a sales pitch. 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