Formulaes and Functions - Left

The left function will allow the user to return the first character or characters in a text string, based on the number of characters you specify. An example:   If  A1 contains "Sweden", then: LEFT(A1,1)equals "S"and LEFT (A1,4) equals "Swed".

In the example to follow the aim is the shorten the surnames and first names so that each is just 3 letters long, as illustrated.

To return the first 3 letters of cell A1 to cell C1

Put the cursor in the cell in which you wish to have the shortened string. 

Click on Insert on the menubar, then Function.

In the Function category, click on All.  Then scroll down to LEFT in the Function name box. Click OK.

The LEFT dialogue box opens.  Note the box for the cell address - Text.  Note the box for the number of characters - Number.  Note the formula in the formula bar - =LEFT()

The aim is the shorten the word Allie to All, so put the cell address A1 in the Text box.  The aim is to shorten the string to 3 characters, so put 3 in the Number box.  Note the characters in the formula bar. Click OK.

The word Allie has been shortened to All.  To shorten all the other names, use the Autofill function.  

To pull down using the Autofill function, put the cursor in the bottom left-hand corner of the cell.  The cursor changes shape.  Hold the mouse down, and pull down.

Use the Left function in cell D1 to copy and shorten the name in B1.

When cell D1 has the name from B1 and is shortened to 3 letters, use the Autofill and pull down.  Complete the column.

This work may be freely copied for non-commercial use only. Copyright © Pam Miller