CODE in WPS on Windows: Introduction

CODE in WPS Spreadsheet on Windows returns the code 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	Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index

About This Feature

Overview

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

Core tasks include:

Insert the CODE function from the Insert Function dialog box.
Type =CODE(...) directly in a cell or in the formula bar.
Review syntax, parameters, and help details before confirming the formula.

System Requirements

Item	Requirement
Operating system	A Windows device that can run WPS Office normally
App version	It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office
Network	No required internet connection for local formula entry; internet access is needed for online help pages
Other	You need access to WPS Spreadsheet and an editable worksheet

Download & Installation

Item	Details
Official download	WPS Office Free Download
Check after installation	Open WPS Spreadsheet and confirm that the Formulas tab and formula bar are available

Source: WPS download center

Compare with Alternatives

Dimension	WPS	Microsoft	Google	Notion	Adobe
Capability Summary	In WPS Spreadsheet, you can use the CODE function through the Insert Function dialog box, direct cell entry, and formula help flow.	Microsoft Word officially supports formulas in table cells through a Formula dialog box, but the scenario is document-table calculation rather than a spreadsheet function library.	Google Sheets officially presents spreadsheet creation, editing, collaboration, and formula-based calculation for online spreadsheet work.	Notion officially describes formulas as database property calculations rather than traditional worksheet cell formulas.	Adobe Acrobat officially supports calculations for PDF form fields, focused on form workflows instead of worksheet functions.
WPS Advantages	Advantage: WPS provides a desktop spreadsheet workflow for direct function entry, formula-bar editing, and dialog-based insertion for character-code calculations.	Compared with WPS: formula usage is centered on Word table fields, so the workflow differs from spreadsheet-style function entry.	Compared with WPS: the product emphasizes cloud collaboration and browser-based spreadsheet work, with a different local desktop formula-entry path.	Compared with WPS: formulas are tied to database properties and logic, not standard spreadsheet cells.	Compared with WPS: calculations are designed for PDF form fields instead of worksheet-based text analysis.
Official Source	—	Word table formulas	Google Sheets training and help	Intro to formulas	Configure form field calculations in Acrobat

Overall Conclusion
If your main task is entering and using worksheet functions for character processing, the CODE function in WPS Spreadsheet fits a familiar spreadsheet workflow on Windows. Microsoft, Google, Notion, and Adobe also provide calculation features, but their official use cases focus on document tables, cloud spreadsheets, database properties, or PDF forms.

Use Cases

No.	Scenario	Suitable for	Main issue	How it helps
1	Character code lookup	Data staff	Need to identify the code value of the first character	Enter the CODE function in a worksheet cell
2	Faster formula entry	Office users	Not familiar with function names or parameter placement	Search for and insert CODE from Insert Function
3	Syntax review	Beginners	Need to confirm formula syntax before use	Check syntax and parameter details in the function panel
4	Batch fill	Spreadsheet users	Need to repeat the same calculation across cells	Enter the formula once and fill or copy it downward
5	Data cleanup support	Analysts	Need to combine text checks with other formulas	Use CODE together with other text functions

Membership & Benefits

Free vs WPS Premium

Capability	Free	WPS Premium
Use the CODE function	✅ Available	✅ Available
Local formula entry and editing	✅ Available	✅ Available
Additional value-added services	Depends on account benefits	More benefits may be included depending on the subscription plan

Source: WPS Office pricing page

Recommendations

Scenario	Recommended plan	Why
Everyday formula entry and basic spreadsheet work	Free	The CODE function itself is available for regular spreadsheet tasks
Broader office needs with more added services	WPS Premium	Suitable if you want additional benefits under one subscription

WPS membership page: Subscribe now