LEFT

LEFT returns a number of characters from the start of a text string: =LEFT(text, num_chars). Together with RIGHT (from the end) and MID (from any position) it splits codes, IDs and names into parts.

When to use it

• You need the area code, prefix or country code at the start of a value.
• You pull a fixed-width part out of a code with MID.
• You grab the last digits of an ID with RIGHT.
• You split on a character by combining LEFT with FIND.

Arguments explained

• text. The string to take characters from, normally a cell reference. Numbers are treated as text of their digits.
• num_chars. Optional. How many characters to take from the start of the string. The default is 1. Zero returns an empty string, and a value larger than the length returns the whole text.
• Finding the length. Combine with FIND or SEARCH to cut before a character, for example LEFT(A2,FIND("@",A2)-1) returns the part of an email before the @ sign.

Worked examples

Common errors and how to fix them

• #VALUE!. The number of characters is negative. This usually happens when FIND returns a position smaller than expected.
• Returns text, not a number. LEFT output is text even if it looks numeric. Multiply by 1 or use VALUE.
• Wrong length with spaces. Leading spaces count as characters. Wrap the source in TRIM.
• Dates lose meaning. LEFT works on the underlying serial number of a date, not what is displayed. Use TEXT or date functions instead.

Related functions

• TRIM
• SUBSTITUTE
• TEXTJOIN
• TEXT
• MATCH

Frequently asked questions

How do I get the last N characters?

Use RIGHT(text, N).

How do I get the middle of a string?

Use MID(text, start, length).

What if num_chars is larger than the text?

LEFT returns the whole string without an error.

How do I split text at a delimiter?

In Microsoft 365 use TEXTBEFORE, TEXTAFTER or TEXTSPLIT; elsewhere combine LEFT, MID and FIND.