CODE in WPS on Windows: Introduction

WPS CODE is a spreadsheet function that returns the numeric code for the first character in a text string; this guide covers 4 core tasks, with 4 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.

At a Glance

Metric	Value	Notes
Core tasks	4	Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index
Available without membership	4	Matches the number of Free rows in the How-to Index
Membership-related items	0	Matches the number of membership-related rows in the How-to Index
Version scope	No version restriction	Available in WPS Spreadsheet across supported versions

About This Feature

Overview

The CODE function in WPS Spreadsheet on Windows returns the numeric code for the first character in a text string. It is useful for text inspection, data cleanup, and formula combinations in spreadsheet workflows.

Core capabilities include:

Enter the CODE function directly in a worksheet cell for character-code calculation.
Use formula hints to confirm the required argument while editing.
Combine the function with cross-sheet references and nested formulas.
Keep results updated automatically when referenced data changes.

Common use cases include first-character checks, spreadsheet analysis, and combined formula logic. It helps reduce manual conversion work and repeated checking in daily spreadsheet tasks.

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; WPS Spreadsheet supports this function in general use
Network	No mandatory internet connection is required for local formula calculation; internet access is needed for download, installation, and account services
Other	You need permission to open and edit a WPS Spreadsheet file

Download & Installation

Before using the CODE function, install WPS Office for Windows and open WPS Spreadsheet.

Item	Details
Official download	WPS Office Free Download
Check after installation	Launch WPS Office, open WPS Spreadsheet, and confirm that you can enter formulas in a cell

Source: WPS download page

Compare with Alternatives

Dimension	WPS	Microsoft	Google	Notion	Adobe
Capability Summary	Supports entering `=CODE(` in a spreadsheet cell with formula hints, cross-sheet references, nested calculations, and automatic recalculation.	Excel provides `CODE(text)` and returns a numeric code for the first character in a text string.	Google Sheets provides a broad function library for cell formulas that calculate strings and numbers.	Notion formulas support text, number, date, and logic operations, but they are designed for database properties rather than worksheet cells.	Acrobat supports calculated form fields in PDF forms, which is different from a spreadsheet formula environment.
WPS Advantages	Advantage: Built for worksheet-cell formula entry, with formula hints, cross-sheet references, and automatic recalculation in everyday spreadsheet work.	Compared with WPS: Excel also offers a dedicated CODE function with documented syntax for workbook-based spreadsheet use.	Compared with WPS: Google Sheets supports many functions, but the official function list is broader reference documentation rather than a dedicated CODE help page in the cited source.	Compared with WPS: Notion formulas focus on database property logic instead of direct worksheet-cell formula entry.	Compared with WPS: Adobe calculation features are centered on PDF form fields rather than regular spreadsheet analysis.
Official Source	—	CODE function	Google Sheets function list	Formula syntax and functions	Configure form field calculations in Acrobat

Overall Conclusion
WPS CODE on Windows fits spreadsheet users who want to calculate the code of the first character directly in worksheet cells and combine that result with other formulas. Microsoft Excel offers a close spreadsheet equivalent, while Notion and Adobe focus on different calculation models.

Use Cases

No.	Scenario	Suitable for	Main challenge	How it helps
1	First-character inspection	Data entry staff	Need to identify the opening character of text quickly	Use CODE in a cell to return the first-character code
2	Combined formula analysis	Spreadsheet analysts	Manual conversion is inefficient in multi-formula workflows	Nest CODE with other functions
3	Cross-sheet processing	Users maintaining multiple sheets	Character checks across worksheets are inconvenient	Reference another worksheet inside CODE
4	Dynamic result updates	Everyday office users	Results need to stay aligned with changing source data	Use automatic recalculation to keep results current

Membership & Benefits

Free vs WPS Premium

Capability	Free users	WPS Premium
Basic CODE function use	✅ Available	✅ Available
Spreadsheet formula editing	✅ Available	✅ Available
Cloud storage	1 GB	20 GB
Templates and extended services	Basic templates	More advanced templates and extended services

Source: WPS Office pricing page

Recommendations

Usage scenario	Recommended plan	Why
Daily formula entry and basic spreadsheet calculation	Free	The CODE function itself does not require membership
Need more cloud storage or more extended services	WPS Premium	Suitable for users who also need cloud storage, templates, and additional services

WPS membership center: Subscribe now