CODE in WPS on Windows: Introduction

WPS CODE returns the character code for the first character in a text string in WPS Sheets on Windows; 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	Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index

About This Feature

Overview

The CODE function in WPS Sheets returns the numeric code for the first character in a text string. It is useful for character checks, text cleanup, and formula-based data processing in spreadsheets.

Core capabilities include:

Enter =CODE( in a cell or the formula bar and view syntax guidance.
Complete the required argument and return a calculation result.
Recalculate automatically when source data changes, which is helpful in spreadsheet and sheets workflows.

Common use cases include character-code checks, text preprocessing, and learning spreadsheet formulas. It helps you quickly get the code for the first character and reduce manual checks when working with text data. A practical advantage is the direct formula entry flow and clear syntax guidance inside WPS Sheets.

System Requirements

Item	Requirement
OS	A Windows device that can run WPS Office normally
App version	It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office
Network	Local formula calculation does not require a constant internet connection; downloading, installation, and account-related actions require internet access
Other	You need to be able to open WPS Sheets and edit worksheet cells

Download & Installation

Before using the CODE function, install WPS Office for Windows and make sure WPS Sheets opens normally.

Item	Notes
Official Download	WPS Office Free Download
Post-install Check	Open WPS Sheets, select any cell, and enter `=CODE(` to confirm that formula input and result output are available

Source: WPS Download Center

Compare with Alternatives

Dimension	WPS	Microsoft	Google	Notion	Adobe
Capability Summary	In WPS Sheets, `CODE(text)` returns the character code for the first character in a text string, with formula entry and recalculation in the worksheet.	Excel provides `CODE(text)` and returns a numeric code for the first character in a text string.	The Google Docs product page focuses on online document collaboration, templates, smart chips, and document creation, rather than a spreadsheet `CODE` function workflow.	Notion formulas support properties, built-ins, and many functions for database calculations, but the official formula reference does not present a same-name `CODE` function for spreadsheet-style cell entry.	Adobe Acrobat JavaScript API focuses on PDF scripting, objects, methods, and properties rather than spreadsheet text functions.
WPS Advantages	Advantage: You can enter the formula directly in worksheet cells and combine it with other spreadsheet formulas for text processing.	Compared with WPS: Excel offers a closely comparable `CODE` function, so the formula concept is similar across spreadsheet workflows.	Compared with WPS: Google Docs is centered on document collaboration and content creation instead of worksheet-based character-code formulas.	Compared with WPS: Notion formulas are oriented toward database properties and page-based data structures rather than traditional worksheet cell formulas.	Compared with WPS: Adobe is oriented toward PDF scripting and document automation rather than spreadsheet calculation tasks.
Official Source	—	CODE function	Google Docs product page	Formula syntax and functions	Acrobat JavaScript API Reference

Overall Conclusion
If your main task is to enter a spreadsheet formula and immediately return the code for the first character, WPS provides a direct worksheet-based workflow. Microsoft Excel offers a closely comparable function path, while Google, Notion, and Adobe focus their official capabilities on document collaboration, database formulas, and PDF scripting.

Use Cases

#	Scenario	Target Users	Core Pain Point	Solution
1	Check the first character type in text	Spreadsheet users	Need to identify the opening character quickly	Use CODE to return the first-character code and combine it with other formulas
2	Learn formula entry for text functions	New users	Not familiar with formula arguments	Enter `=CODE(` and follow the syntax guidance to practice
3	Process character data in batches	Data organizers	Manual checks take too much time	Combine CODE with other formulas for batch calculations
4	Review imported text values	Office users	Imported content may have inconsistent formatting	Use character codes to help identify unusual text
5	Build linked formulas	Advanced users	Need results to update automatically	Use CODE so the result recalculates when source text changes

Membership & Benefits

Free vs WPS Premium

Feature	Free User	WPS Member
CODE function entry and calculation	✅ Available	✅ Available
Basic PDF features	✅ Available	✅ Available
Cloud storage	1 GB	20 GB
Template downloads	Limited access	More advanced templates and additional benefits
AI tools	Some features available with limits	More AI-related features and higher usage allowances

Source: WPS Office pricing page

Recommendations

Use Case	Recommended Plan	Reason
You mainly use CODE and other basic spreadsheet formulas	Free	Basic formula calculation is available for everyday spreadsheet work
You also need more cloud storage, templates, or broader office features	WPS Member	Suitable if you want additional office and value-added features alongside spreadsheet work

WPS membership page: Subscribe now