What is the LEFT Function
The LEFT function returns the first N characters from a text string, starting from the left. It is very useful for extracting prefixes, codes, initials, and any fixed-position text.
Formula: =LEFT(text, [num_chars])
Practical Example 1
A2 contains EXCEL2024.
Type: =LEFT(A2, 5)
Result: EXCEL
Practical Example 2
Extract the first 2 characters as a country code.
Type: =LEFT(A2, 2)
Result: the first two characters
Practical Example 3
Extract text up to a specific character.
Type: =LEFT(A2, FIND(-, A2) - 1)
Result: the text before the first dash
Practical Example 4
Get initials from a name.
Type: =LEFT(A2, 1)
Result: the first letter of the name
When to Use It
LEFT is used for extracting country codes, for getting initials, for parsing prefixes from codes, and for any situation where you need the first part of a text string.