Excel LEFT Function
LEFT returns a chosen number of characters from the start of a text value.
Use it to extract prefixes, region codes, category letters, or the first part of an identifier when the needed text starts at the left edge.
LEFT syntax & arguments
Syntax
=LEFT(text, [num_chars])
-
1
text
RequiredThe text value, cell reference, or formula result to extract characters from.
-
2
num_chars
OptionalThe number of characters to return from the left side of
text. If omitted, LEFT returns one character.
Example
=LEFT(A2, 3)
Return the first three characters from the text in A2.
LEFT caveats
LEFT is simple when the length is fixed, but it can produce misleading results when the source value is not clean text.
-
The count starts at the first character
num_charstells Excel how many characters to return from the left side, not where to begin. -
Omitting the length returns one character
If
num_charsis left out, LEFT returns only the first character of the text. -
Negative lengths return an error
A negative
num_charsvalue causes a#VALUE!error. -
Dates and numbers may not behave like display text
LEFT works on the underlying text representation, so formatted dates or numbers may need a TEXT formula first.
Need a variable length? Combine LEFT with FIND when a delimiter marks where the extracted text should stop.
Intro LEFT practice problems
No intro LEFT problems are currently available.
Advanced LEFT practice problems
Use LEFT alongside other Excel functions in realistic, less-prescriptive challenges.
Generate User IDs
Login ID Builder
Promo Eligibility Check
Short Codes Sequence
Totals by SKU and Region