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How to Add Custom Symbols in Microsoft Lists (Fix Encoding)

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to add custom symbols, such as degree signs or slashes, to number columns in Microsoft Lists but is encountering encoding errors.

Product: Microsoft Lists
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing a number column to display specific units or special characters alongside the numerical value.
Observed behavior: Special characters and spaces within custom symbols are encoded incorrectly by the system, though previously created columns may still display correctly.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary list editing permissions to modify column settings and apply advanced JSON formatting in your Microsoft Lists environment.

Solution 1Recommended

Apply JSON Column Formatting

Use advanced JSON formatting to safely append custom symbols to your column values without relying on the native custom symbol field.

Because Microsoft Lists currently has a known bug regarding the encoding of special characters and spaces in the default symbol settings, overriding the display with JSON is the most effective workaround. This ensures characters like '°C' display exactly as intended.

Access Column Settings

Click on the header of the target number column in your list, select 'Column settings', and then click on 'Format this column'.

Enable Advanced Mode

At the bottom of the formatting pane on the right-side of the screen, click on 'Advanced mode' to open the JSON text editor.

Input the JSON Formula

Paste the appropriate JSON structure. To simply append a symbol, you can use a formula structure like =Number(@currentField) + ' °C' within your txtContent element.

Save Changes

Click 'Save' at the bottom of the pane to apply the new formatting to your list view.

Form View Limitation: This JSON workaround strictly applies to the list view. When you open the form to add or edit an item, the incorrectly encoded symbol may still be displayed.

Solution 2

Use Standard Text Alternatives

Avoid the encoding bug entirely by using basic alphanumeric characters for your custom symbols.

Better Data Management Alternative

Easily Format Data and Add Custom Symbols with WPS Spreadsheet

If you are frustrated with encoding bugs and form limitations in Microsoft Lists, WPS Spreadsheet offers a robust, bug-free way to manage tabular data. You can easily apply custom formatting to add unit symbols without writing any JSON code.

1. Open Your Data: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open or create your tabular data.
2. Select Target Cells: Highlight the numbers or entire column where you want to add the custom symbol.
3. Open Format Cells: Right-click the selected area and choose 'Format Cells' from the dropdown menu, or press Ctrl+1.
4. Apply Custom Format: Navigate to the 'Number' tab, select 'Custom', and type your desired format (e.g., 0.00 "°C") into the Type field.
5. Confirm and Save: Click 'OK' to instantly apply the custom symbol to all selected cells without altering the underlying numerical data.

Add any special character or custom unit symbol nativelyNo complex JSON coding or encoding errors100% compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsSeamless management of large datasets and lists

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Lists encode my symbols incorrectly?

This is due to a known encoding issue within Microsoft Lists where special characters, such as the degree symbol, slashes, or even spaces, are misinterpreted and converted into incorrect HTML entities when saved in the native custom symbol field.

Does JSON column formatting fix the input form as well?

No. The JSON formatting feature overrides the visual display in the list view only. The data entry form will still rely on the native column properties and may continue to display the incorrectly encoded symbol.

Can I use spaces in my custom symbols in Microsoft Lists?

Using spaces in the native custom symbol field often triggers the same encoding bugs. If you require spaces between your number and the unit, it is highly recommended to use the JSON column formatting workaround.

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