How to Type Symbols in Google Sheets
Google Sheets accepts Unicode text and provides the CHAR and UNICHAR functions for generated characters. Unlike Google Docs, Sheets does not offer the same broad Special characters dialog in every context, so copy and paste and formulas are especially useful.
Best Ways to Enter Symbols
UNICHAR function
Use =UNICHAR(decimal_code) to return a Unicode character from a decimal value.
CHAR function
Use CHAR for values supported by its limited character set; prefer UNICHAR for general Unicode.
Copy and paste
Paste symbols directly into cells, formulas, chart labels, and notes.
Formula concatenation
Combine text and symbols with &, for example a value followed by a unit symbol.
A Reliable Step-by-Step Method
- Find the decimal valueUse the code-point converter or symbol guide.
- Enter UNICHARType a formula such as
=UNICHAR(176)for the degree sign. - Combine with textConcatenate the result with values or labels when needed.
- Check exportsDownload as CSV and reopen using UTF-8 to verify encoding.
Common Problems and Fixes
The formula shows an error
Confirm the argument is a valid decimal Unicode scalar value.
The symbol is treated as data punctuation
Store it separately from numbers or use a custom format.
Imported CSV contains mojibake
Choose UTF-8 during import and export.
Look-alike minus signs break formulas
Normalize imported punctuation to the expected ASCII operators.
Accuracy and Workflow Tips
- Use UNICODE to inspect a cell’s first character.
- Clean nonbreaking spaces before numeric conversion.
- Keep display symbols separate from machine-readable values when possible.
- Test charts and downloaded files for font compatibility.