1-minute answer
Use Insert → Symbol for a one-off insert, or the =CHAR() formula to generate a character from its decimal code inside a cell.
01 Step by step, per platform
A real, followable procedure for every platform — not a thin restatement of the shortcut.
Insert \xe2\x86\x92 Symbol
- Go to Insert → Symbol.
- Pick the character and click Insert — it's placed directly into the active cell.
CHAR() formula
- =CHAR(176) outputs °.
- Combine with concatenation: =A1&"°C" appends it to a value.
Alt codes
- Works the same as anywhere else on Windows: hold Alt, type the decimal code on the numpad.
02 FAQ
What's the formula to get the code from a character instead?
<code>=CODE(A1)</code> returns the decimal character code of the first character in cell A1 — the reverse of CHAR().
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