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Excel LEFT Function

To obtain a certain number of characters starting from the left side of an Excel cell, use the LEFT function. The default value is 1, however the selected number must be larger than 0.

The typeface is =LEFT.

To apply the function to a single cell, type:

				
					=LEFT(cell)
				
			

If you want to use the function on a range of cells, write:

				
					=LEFT(start cell:end cell)
				
			

How to Use LEFT Function

Use LEFT to extract values from an Excel cell’s left side.

Step 1) Start the LEFT function

  1. Select a cell E2
  2. Type =LEFT
  3. Double click the LEFT command
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Try it yourself to follow the tutorial!

Take a look at the values in the following example and give it a try!

Step 2) Enter values to the LEFT function

4. Select a cell (A2)

5. Hit enter

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=LEFT(A2) extracts the first symbol from the A2 cell by utilizing LEFT is default function.

How to Use the LEFT Function with a Defined Length of Characters

Learn to use =LEFT to get more than one character.

Step 1) Start the LEFT function

  1. Select a cell E2
  2. Type =LEFT
  3. Double click the LEFT command

Note: A symbol, such as a , or ; is used to separate the various components of the function;

The symbol is determined by your language preferences.

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Step 2: Choose cells and determine the character count

4. Enter the name of the cell (A2) and provide the number of characters you wish to retrieve , separating the characters with a (A2,3).

5. Press Enter.

The first three characters from cell A2 are returned by the function.

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How to use the LEFT Function on a Range of Cells

Step 1) Start the LEFT function

  1. Select a cell E2
  2. Type =LEFT
  3. Double click the LEFT command
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Step 2: Choose the cells and character count

4. Using an as a delimiter , choose the cells (A2:A4) and specify the number of characters you wish to get (A2:A4,3)

5. Press Enter.

Within the range A2:A4, the method returns the first three characters from each cell.

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