Excel: Using Special Characters, Such As Degrees and Exponents

ID: Q98016

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0

SUMMARY

Microsoft Excel does not support some character formatting such as superscript and subscript (for example, there is no built-in character for the squared symbol). However, if the character you want to use is contained in the ANSI character set used by Microsoft Windows, you can place that character in a cell by entering the character code in your document, or, if you are using Microsoft Windows version 3.1, you can copy the symbol you want from the Microsoft Windows Character Map.

Note: The ANSI character set is documented on page 568 of the "Microsoft Windows User's Guide," version 3.0. If you do not have this particular guide and are using Windows 3.1, see the "Using the Character Map" section of this article.

Note: Microsoft Excel version 5.0 does support formatting of individual characters. There are cases where you may want to use the ALT+<code> method to enter characters. The information below is valid for version 5.0, but in most cases, not necessary.


MORE INFORMATION

Entering the Character Code

There are two ways to enter an ANSI character code in a cell (with either method, you can enter the character code by itself or you can enter it with other text):

  • Hold down the ALT key and type zero plus the code for the symbol you want to use. For example, to enter 10 degrees Celsius into a cell, type the following in one string (after you type 0176, release ALT key before you type the letter C):

    10+ALT+0176+C

    Note that when you use this method, you must use the numeric keypad, not the number keys above the main keyboard, to enter the "0176".

    -or-


  • Use the CHAR() function in Microsoft Excel. For example, to enter 2 squared into a cell, type the following formula:

    ="2"&CHAR(178)


Note that these entries will be entered as text. If you want the entry to be treated as a value, for example, to add or average a series of temperatures, you can create a custom number format.

To create custom number format for degrees Celsius, do the following:

  1. Select the range of cells you want to format.


  2. From the Format menu, choose Number.


  3. In the Code box, type "0" (without the quotation marks), and hold down the ALT key and type 0176 followed by a C (after you type 0176, release ALT key before you type the letter C):

    0+ALT+0176+C

    Again, you must use the numeric keypad when typing the "0176".


When you enter a value into one of the selected cells, it will be followed by a degree symbol and the letter C. Note that if you are using a custom number format for an exponent such as 2 squared, the exponent portion is treated as text and thereby ignored in any calculation. For example, 2 squared plus 2 squared will be calculated to equal 4 squared because only the twos are added. The cell containing the sum takes its number format from the cells being added resulting in the exponent of 2 being appended onto the sum.

Using the Character Map (Windows Version 3.1 Only)

Microsoft Windows version 3.1 includes a Character Map located in the Accessories Group. You can select a symbol in the Character Map and copy and paste it into a cell or dialog box such as the Format Number dialog box.

For example, to place 10 degrees Celsius into a cell, follow these steps:

  1. Run the Character Map.


  2. In the Font list box, select System.


  3. Choose the degree symbol (from the center of the fifth row).


  4. Choose the Select button and choose the Copy button.


  5. Activate Microsoft Excel. In a cell, type "10" (without the quotation marks).


  6. From the Edit menu, choose Paste.


  7. Type the letter C and press ENTER.


Note: If you want to create a custom number format that uses one of the symbols, use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+V (copy), to copy the symbol to the Format Number dialog box. The Edit menu will be unavailable while this dialog box is active. For example, instead of typing ALT+0176 as described in step 3 of the "To create a degrees Celsius format..." section of this article, you would type CTRL+V to paste the symbol into the code box.


REFERENCES

"Microsoft Windows User's Guide," version 3.0, page 568

Additional query words: 2.0 2.00 2.01 2.1 2.10 2.2 2.20 2.21 3.0 4.0 4.00a 5.0

Keywords :
Version : 2.X 3.00 4.00 4.00a 5.00
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: April 2, 1999
© 2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.