LEFT returns the first character or characters in a text string, based on the number of characters you specify.

May 31, 2024 · LEFT, a text function in Excel workable from Excel 2003, returns a specified number of characters from the start of a given text string.

Feb 22, 2024 · The Excel LEFT function extracts a given number of characters from the left side of a supplied text string. For example, =LEFT ("apple",3) returns "app".

Guide to LEFT Function in Excel. Here we discuss how to use left formula with step by step example and downloadable excel template.

Mar 20, 2023 · The tutorial shows how to use the LEFT function in Excel to get a substring from the beginning of the text string, extract text before a certain character, force a Left formula to …

Jul 7, 2024 · How to Use the LEFT Function? The LEFT function in Excel is a powerful tool for extracting a specified number of characters from the beginning of a text string. Understanding …

Aug 14, 2025 · LEFT Function in Excel The LEFT function returns a given text from the left of our text string based on the number of characters specified. Syntax: LEFT (text, [num_chars]) …

Feb 24, 2025 · Learn how to use the LEFT function in Excel with Inside Excel’s step-by-step guide, examples, and best practices for text extraction. The LEFT function extracts a specified …

Column B of the following spreadsheet shows three examples of the Excel Left function. Note that in the above examples: The function in cell B1 omits the [num_chars] argument and so in this …

Sep 12, 2025 · To show you how to use the LEFT function, let’s pick one phrase, “Bird is the word,” and tweak it in various ways. 1. The LEFT function below extracts the first four …