LEFT Function
LEFT extracts a specified number of characters from the left side of a text string.
Syntax
Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Required |
|---|---|---|
| text | The text string from which to extract characters. | Required |
| num_chars | Optional. The number of characters to extract (default is 1). | Optional |
Basic Example
Extract first 3 characters
=LEFT("Hello World", 3)Extracts the first 3 characters from "Hello World".
Advanced Examples
Example 1: Extract area code from phone number
Data cleaningGet the first 3 digits from a phone number
=LEFT(A1, 3)Example 2: Extract first word
Text parsingGet the first word from a sentence
=LEFT(A1, FIND(" ", A1)-1)How LEFT Works
LEFT counts from the beginning of the text string and returns the specified number of characters. If num_chars is omitted, it returns just the first character.
Important Notes & Limitations
LEFT counts each character as 1, including spaces.
Use RIGHT to extract from the end, or MID to extract from the middle.
Common Errors & Fixes
#VALUE!num_chars is negativeFix: Ensure num_chars is a positive number.
Download Practice File
LEFT
leftPractice LEFT with Real Data
Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the LEFT function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.
File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps
Related Tutorials
Extract Text From String
Extract text from string in Excel and Google Sheets using LEFT, RIGHT, MID, and FIND. Learn to pull the first or last word, a middle substring, or text between two delimiters.
Split Text By Delimiter
Split text by delimiter in Excel and Google Sheets — use TEXTSPLIT, SPLIT, LEFT with FIND, and Text to Columns to break names, emails and codes into columns.