UNICODE in WPS Spreadsheet is a built-in function that returns the Unicode value of the first character in a text string; this guide covers 3 core tasks, with 3 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core tasks | 3 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 3 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | All topics in this guide are available directly |
About This Feature
Overview
UNICODE is a text and formula feature in WPS Spreadsheet that returns the Unicode value of the first character in a text string. It is useful for character checks, text cleanup, and formula-based data processing in spreadsheet work.
Core tasks include:
- Inserting the UNICODE function from the Insert Function dialog when you want guided formula entry.
- Typing
=UNICODE(...)directly in a cell or in the Formula Bar for faster spreadsheet work. - Reviewing syntax and parameter details from the function help area when you need to verify formula structure.
This feature is useful for character code checks, text preprocessing, spreadsheet learning, and batch data handling.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | A Windows device that can run WPS Office normally |
| App version | The latest version of WPS Office is recommended |
| Network | No required internet connection for local formula entry; internet is needed for online help or updates |
| Other | WPS Office must be installed, and you need access to a WPS Spreadsheet file |
Download & Installation
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Check after installation | Open WPS Office and then open a spreadsheet file. You should see the Insert Function entry on the Formulas tab |
Source: WPS Download Center
Compare with Alternatives
| Dimension | WPS | Microsoft | Notion | Adobe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capability Summary | WPS Spreadsheet supports function entry through the Insert Function dialog or direct formula typing, which fits character-code calculations in worksheet cells. | Microsoft Word officially supports formulas in table cells, but the workflow is designed for document tables rather than spreadsheet-style function editing. | Google Docs officially supports inserting equations in documents, which is aimed at equation formatting instead of worksheet cell formulas. | Notion officially supports formulas for database properties using properties, built-ins, and functions. | Adobe Acrobat officially supports calculated PDF form fields with predefined calculations and field-based rules. |
| WPS Advantages | Advantage: built for worksheet cell calculations; Distinct: supports both guided insertion and direct formula typing in one spreadsheet workflow. | Compared with WPS: Word formulas are centered on document table calculations, so spreadsheet-style fill-down and worksheet formula workflows are more limited. | Compared with WPS: Google Docs focuses on document equations and symbols, not spreadsheet cell formula entry. | Compared with WPS: Notion formulas are tied to database properties rather than a traditional worksheet cell grid. | Compared with WPS: Acrobat calculations are designed for PDF form fields rather than spreadsheet worksheets. |
| Official Source | — | Use a formula in a Word table | Use equations in a document | Intro to formulas | Configure form field calculations in Acrobat |
Overall Conclusion
If you need a spreadsheet workflow for entering, checking, and copying formulas across cells, WPS is a more direct fit for that task. The other products listed here also provide formula or calculation features, but they are mainly oriented toward document tables, document equations, database properties, or PDF forms.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable For | Main Need | How WPS Helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check character codes | Data cleanup users | Need to confirm the code value of the first character in text | Enter the UNICODE function in a cell to return the code value |
| 2 | Learn formula entry | Spreadsheet beginners | Need help finding the function name and parameters | Use the Insert Function dialog to search and fill in arguments |
| 3 | Process a text column in batches | Office users | Need to calculate results for many rows | Enter the formula once and copy it down with the fill handle |
| 4 | Troubleshoot formula issues | Everyday users | Need to review syntax after an unexpected result | Open the function help area and check the syntax and arguments |
| 5 | Combine with other text functions | Advanced users | Need more than one function for text analysis | Use UNICODE together with other text functions |
Membership & Benefits
Free vs WPS Premium
| Capability | Free | WPS Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Use basic WPS Spreadsheet functions | ✅ | ✅ |
| Access basic PDF features | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cloud storage | 1 GB | 20 GB |
| Template downloads | Limited | More advanced templates and broader benefits |
| Advanced PDF and some extended tools | Limited | More features available |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Scenario | Recommended Plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Daily UNICODE function use and learning | Free | The function itself does not require membership for the tasks in this guide |
| Need more cloud storage, templates, or broader office features | WPS Premium | Better fit when you also need expanded document and productivity features |
How to Subscribe
- WPS membership center: Subscribe now
Source: WPS Office pricing page