Excel is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from simple calculations to complex data analysis. One of the lesser-known features of Excel is its ability to convert text to ASCII code. ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, and it is a standard code used to represent characters in computers.
Why Convert to ASCII Text?
There are several reasons why you might want to convert text to ASCII code in Excel. One common reason is to convert special characters, such as accented letters or symbols, into a format that can be used in other applications. For example, if you are working with a database that does not support special characters, you can convert them to ASCII code and then import the data into the database.
Another reason to convert to ASCII code is to encrypt sensitive information. ASCII code is a standard format that can be easily encrypted and decrypted, making it a popular choice for secure communication.
How to Convert to ASCII Text in Excel
Converting text to ASCII code in Excel is a simple process that can be done using the built-in functions. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Open Excel and create a new workbook
Open Excel and create a new workbook. You can do this by clicking on the “File” menu and selecting “New” or by using the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + N”.
Step 2: Enter the text you want to convert
Enter the text you want to convert into a cell in the worksheet. For example, if you want to convert the word “hello”, enter it into cell A1.
Step 3: Use the “CODE” function to convert the text to ASCII code
Next, use the “CODE” function to convert the text to ASCII code. The “CODE” function returns the ASCII code for a given character. To use the function, enter “=CODE(A1)” into cell B1. This will return the ASCII code for the first character in cell A1.
Step 4: Copy the formula to convert the entire text
To convert the entire text, copy the formula in cell B1 and paste it into the cells below. Excel will automatically update the formula to return the ASCII code for each character in the text.
Step 5: Convert the ASCII code back to text
If you want to convert the ASCII code back to text, you can use the “CHAR” function. The “CHAR” function returns the character that corresponds to a given ASCII code. To use the function, enter “=CHAR(B1)” into cell C1. This will return the character that corresponds to the ASCII code in cell B1.
Conclusion
Converting text to ASCII code in Excel is a simple process that can be done using the built-in functions. Whether you need to convert special characters for use in other applications or encrypt sensitive information, Excel has you covered. With these steps, you can easily convert text to ASCII code and back again.
