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=LEFT()
LEFT returns the first character or characters in a text string, based on the number of characters you specify.
Applies To:
Excel for Microsoft 365Excel for Microsoft 365 for MacExcel 2024Excel 2024 for MacExcel 2021Excel 2021 for MacExcel 2019Excel 2016
=LEFT(text, [num_chars])
Hover argument names in the table for details.
Output typeText
Popularity70 / 100
VolatileNo
Dynamic ArrayNo
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◧ Arguments
| Argument | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
text |
Any type | Required | The text string that contains the characters you want to extract. |
num_chars |
Any type | Optional | Specifies the number of characters you want LEFT to extract. Num_chars must be greater than or equal to zero. If num_chars is greater than the length of text, LEFT returns all of text. If num_chars is omitted, it is assumed to be 1. |
▣ Examples
▦ Data
| Cell | Value |
|---|---|
A2 |
Sale Price |
A3 |
Sweden |
A4 |
Sale Price |
A5 |
Sweden |
First four characters in the first string
=LEFT(A2,4)
Result:
Sale
First character in the second string
=LEFT(A3)
Result:
S
✦ Tips
- The LEFTB function is deprecated. LEFT now supports Unicode surrogates via the Compatibility Version, Version 2.
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