Syntax
=LEFT(string, [number_of_characters])
string- The text to extract from.
number_of_characters- Optional. How many characters to take (default 1).
LEFT function in Google Sheets
LEFT returns a set number of characters from the start of a text string. Use it to grab prefixes, codes and first names.
Practice LEFT
Task 1 of 2
Extract the 3-letter category code from the start of the SKU in A2. Answer in B2.
Tip: while typing a formula, click a cell or drag across cells to insert references. Press Enter to check, and Tab to accept a function suggestion.
LEFT examples
Each example below runs against this sample sheet. The results are calculated by the same engine as the practice grid.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw name | SKU | Note |
| 2 | maya PATEL | ELC-0427-NY | Refund requested |
| 3 | leo rossi | FUR-1180-TX | Shipped |
| 4 | AVA KIM | OFC-0093-CA | Refund issued |
| Formula | Result | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
=LEFT(B2, 3) | ELC | Category code from a SKU. |
=LEFT(C2, 6) | Refund | First six characters. |
=LEFT(A3, FIND(" ", A3) - 1) | leo | First name: everything before the first space. |
Tips and common mistakes
- The result is always text, even if it looks like a number. Wrap in VALUE to convert.
- Pair with FIND or SEARCH when the length varies from row to row.
Related functions
Learning step by step? LEFT is covered in Lesson 22: LEFT, RIGHT & MID of the free course.