What is the REPLACE Function
The REPLACE function replaces characters at a specific position in a text string with new text. Unlike SUBSTITUTE which replaces by content, REPLACE replaces by position.
Formula: =REPLACE(old_text, start_num, num_chars, new_text)
Practical Example 1
A2 contains 2024-2025. Replace the first 4 characters with 2025.
Type: =REPLACE(A2, 1, 4, 2025)
Result: 2025-2025
Practical Example 2
Mask the first 8 digits of a phone number.
Type: =REPLACE(A2, 1, 8, **)
Result: ****5678
Practical Example 3
Insert text in the middle of a string.
Type: =REPLACE(A2, 3, 0, NEW)
Result: the text with NEW inserted at position 3
When to Use It
REPLACE is used for masking sensitive data, for inserting text at specific positions, for reformatting strings by fixed width, and for any formula where position-based replacement is needed.