Convert a number to its equivalent letter

If you want to convert a number to its equivalent letter, for e.g. 5 to E, you can use two approaches.

1. Insert this code in a Module and use this function

‘Author: Alan L. Lesmerises
‘From: http://www.freevbcode.com/ShowCode.asp?ID=4303

Function ColumnLetter(ColumnNumber As Integer) As String
  If ColumnNumber > 26 Then

    ‘ 1st character:  Subtract 1 to map the characters to 0-25,
    ‘                 but you don’t have to remap back to 1-26
    ‘                 after the ‘Int’ operation since columns
    ‘                 1-26 have no prefix letter

    ‘ 2nd character:  Subtract 1 to map the characters to 0-25,
    ‘                 but then must remap back to 1-26 after
    ‘                 the ‘Mod’ operation by adding 1 back in
    ‘                 (included in the ’65’)

    ColumnLetter = Chr(Int((ColumnNumber – 1) / 26) + 64) & _
                   Chr(((ColumnNumber – 1) Mod 26) + 65)
  Else
    ‘ Columns A-Z
    ColumnLetter = Chr(ColumnNumber + 64)
  End If
End Function

e.g. “=Columnletter(5)” will return E and “= Columnletter(COLUMN())” will return letter depending on which column this formula is in.

2. Use this formula (Credit due) “=LEFT(ADDRESS(1,COLUMN(),4),1)”

These formulas can be useful with functions like INDIRECT and OFFSET.

About the Author

A co-author of Data Science for Fundraising, an award winning keynote speaker, Ashutosh R. Nandeshwar is one of the few analytics professionals in the higher education industry who has developed analytical solutions for all stages of the student life cycle (from recruitment to giving). He enjoys speaking about the power of data, as well as ranting about data professionals who chase after “interesting” things. He earned his PhD/MS from West Virginia University and his BEng from Nagpur University, all in industrial engineering. Currently, he is leading the data science, reporting, and prospect development efforts at the University of Southern California.

  • Anonymous says:

    Perfect Function , Exaclty what i needed!!!! Dalik

  • 7th-key says:

    Thank you!

  • >