LEFT Google Sheet Formula
Generate Google Sheet LEFT Formulas in seconds
Interactive Formula Generator
Formula Generator
Create complex Google Sheets formulas with natural language. Simply describe what you want to calculate.
Upgrade to Sheet Alchemy Pro
Get advanced formulas, batch processing, and priority support
Input
Result
Your formula will be displayed here:
Your formula will appear here
Describe what you want to calculate and click Generate
Pro Features Available
Sheet Alchemy Pro includes additional advanced features to enhance your formula generation.
Advanced Formulas
Complex array formulas and dynamic ranges
Batch Processing
Generate multiple formulas at once
Unlimited History
Save and organize all your formulas
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.
Explore More Google Sheet Formulas
SLN
Calculating the straight-line depreciation of an asset for a single period
Learn moreDEC2OCT
Converting a decimal number to octal format for specific numeral system requirements
Learn moreLEN
Counting the length of a text string
Learn moreXMATCH
Finding the position of a value in a range with enhanced options
Learn moreTRUE
Returning the logical value TRUE for conditional formulas
Learn moreRAND
Generating a random decimal between 0 and 1 for simulations
Learn moreCUMIPMT
Calculating cumulative interest paid on a loan between two periods
Learn moreEVEN
Rounding a number up to the nearest even integer for pairing or batching
Learn moreUnlock the Full Power of Sheet Alchemy
Get access to all our formula generators, script generators, and conversion tools with a free Sheet Alchemy account.