LEFT Google Sheet Formula
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LEFT Formula Syntax
Example Use Case
Extracting characters from the start of a text string
Understanding the LEFT Formula
The LEFT function in Excel extracts a specified number of characters from the start of a text string. It’s a text tool for parsing—like grabbing initials or prefixes from data.
LEFT("Hello", 2) returns 'He', taking the first 2 characters. It uses a text string and optional num_chars (default 1), making it a simple way to slice text from the left side.
Why Use LEFT?
LEFT pulls beginnings—think codes or names. Its straightforward extraction simplifies text splitting, offering a quick way to isolate starting segments for analysis or formatting.
Example with Sample Data
| Text, Chars | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 'Hello', 2 | =LEFT("Hello", 2) | He |
| 'Excel', 1 | =LEFT("Excel", 1) | E |
| 'Data123', 4 | =LEFT("Data123", 4) | Data |
LEFT grabs starts: 'He' from 'Hello', 'Data' from 'Data123'. It’s a text slicer.
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