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✍️ Excel text examples

LEFT, RIGHT and MID Examples in Excel

Learn practical left, right and mid examples in excel for cleaning text, extracting values and building spreadsheet labels.

Updated 2026-06-125 practical examplesCopy-ready

What it does

LEFT, RIGHT and MID extract characters from the start, end or middle of text.

Syntax or pattern

=LEFT(text, num_chars) / =RIGHT(text, num_chars) / =MID(text, start_num, num_chars)
✅

5 practical examples

1

Get first three characters

Extract a code prefix.

=LEFT(A2,3)

Useful when product codes start with a category.

2

Get last four characters

Extract the last four digits of an ID.

=RIGHT(A2,4)

Common for masked IDs.

3

Get characters from the middle

Extract a segment from a fixed code.

=MID(A2,4,3)

Use when text has a predictable layout.

4

Combine with FIND

Extract text before a dash.

=LEFT(A2,FIND("-",A2)-1)

FIND makes the formula more flexible.

5

Clean code pieces

Build a short label from parts of a text string.

=LEFT(A2,2)&"-"&RIGHT(A2,4)

Concatenation creates readable labels.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Not handling missing delimiters.
  • Forgetting that some text functions return text, not numbers.
  • Using fixed positions when the text layout is not consistent.

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FAQ

Can text formulas work with Excel Tables?

Yes. Table references can make text-cleaning formulas easier to understand.

💡 Useful resources

Here are some ideas for you

Optional resources that may help if you are learning formulas, building reports, or working in spreadsheets often.

  • 📘
    Excel formula books

    Practice formulas with structured examples you can keep beside your desk.

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  • ⌨️
    Excel shortcut guides

    Build speed with keyboard shortcuts for selection, formatting and navigation.

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  • 🔢
    Numeric keypads

    Helpful if you enter many numbers on a laptop or compact keyboard.

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  • 🖥️
    External monitors

    Useful for viewing large worksheets, formulas and reference tables side by side.

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  • 📒
    Desk notebooks

    Sketch formula logic, report ideas and table structures before building.

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  • 💻
    Laptop stands

    Make long spreadsheet sessions more comfortable and ergonomic.

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