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Function: LEFT in Excel

In this guide, we’re going to show you how to use the Excel LEFT function and also go over some tips and error handling methods.

By Ilker

Excel Left Function

The LEFT function in Excel is a powerful tool for extracting substrings from a given string, starting from the leftmost character. This function is particularly useful when you need to isolate specific portions of text from a larger string.

To use the Excel LEFT function, you need to specify two arguments: the cell reference or text string from which you want to extract the substring, and the number of characters you want to extract from the left side of the string.

By using the LEFT function, you can quickly and efficiently extract substrings from your data, enabling you to manipulate and analyze text-based information more effectively in your Excel worksheets.

In summary, this function is a valuable tool for working with text data, allowing you to extract specific substrings based on their position within a larger string. By mastering this function, you can enhance your ability to manipulate and analyze text-based data in Excel.

 
 

Excel LEFT Function: Supported versions

  • All Excel versions

Excel LEFT Function: Syntax

excel

=LEFT(text, num_chars)

Where:

  • text is the cell reference or text string containing the original text.
  • num_chars is the number of characters you want to extract from the left side of the text.

Here's an example of how you might use the LEFT function in Excel:

excel

=LEFT(A2, 5)

In this example, A2 is the cell reference containing the original product code, and 5 is the number of characters you want to extract from the left side of the code.

LEFT(text, [num_chars])

Arguments

text The text that contains the sub-string you want to extract.
[num_chars] Optional. The number of characters you want to extract.


Examples

Let's have a look at examples for LEFT function.

For example, suppose you have a list of product codes in column A, and each code consists of a unique identifier followed by a series of numbers. If you want to extract the unique identifier from each code, you can use the LEFT function to do so.

 

Example 1

=LEFT("Charizard",4)
 formula returns "Char" as text value.

LEFT Example 1


Example 2

=LEFT("Blastoise")
formula returns "B". Excel LEFT function returns the first character if [num_chars] argument is omitted.

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Tips

  • Excel LEFT function will not extract number formatting characters, like currency symbols or comma separators.
  • Also see RIGHT function to return a sub-string starting from the right of the selected text.
  • Also see MID function to return a sub-string from the middle of a string.