LEFT Function in Excel: Syntax, Examples & Practice
Learn the Excel LEFT function: Returns characters from the start of a text string. Try focused practice and download a free workbook.
Syntax
=LEFT(text, [num_chars])
Check the function documentation for your Excel version and platform. The browser simulator implements selected behavior and does not reproduce every Excel feature.
Worked example
| Row | A: Customer name | B: Code | C: Raw text |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | amit kumar | MH-10245 | Mumbai - Active |
| 3 | Priya Shah | MH-20418 | Pune - Active |
| 4 | Ravi Patil | MH-33021 | Nashik - Closed |
=LEFT(B2,2)
Expected result: MH
The original text is shown beside the fields that LEFT will inspect, clean or transform.
Professional use
Extract codes and prefixes.
Practice LEFT · Download practice .xlsx
Apply your skills
Explore MIS and finance projects
Questions and answers
How can I practise LEFT?
Use the focused ten-question LEFT lab, then download its workbook for ten additional function-specific tasks and an answer key. Core learning works without an account.
Which Excel version supports LEFT?
Check the function documentation for your Excel version and platform. The browser simulator implements selected behavior and does not reproduce every Excel feature.
Does the browser simulator replace Microsoft Excel?
No. It supports a selected set of formula behavior for practice. Native workbook recalculation, full function compatibility, PivotTables and external data features must be checked in your own Excel installation.
Interactive practice runs in your browser.