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LEFT and LEFTB Functions
Summary
The LEFT function extracts the first characters from a text string based on the specified number, while LEFTB handles byte-based extraction for double-byte character sets. These functions are essential for parsing text data from the left side.
Syntax
LEFT(text, [num_chars])
LEFTB(text, [num_bytes])Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| text | Text |
Yes | Text string containing the characters to extract from the beginning |
| num_chars | Number |
No | Number of characters to return (≥0). Defaults to 1 if omitted |
| num_bytes | Number |
No | Number of bytes to return for LEFTB (≥0). Defaults to 1 if omitted |
Using the LEFT, LEFTB Function
LEFT and LEFTB are powerful text extraction functions that pull characters from the beginning of strings. LEFT uses character count (Unicode-aware in modern Excel), while LEFTB uses byte count for compatibility with double-byte character sets like Japanese.
Common LEFT, LEFTB Examples
Extract Product Code
=LEFT(A2,4)From 'Sale Price', extracts 'Sale' (first 4 characters)
Single Character Extraction
=LEFT(A3)From 'Sweden', extracts 'S' (first character, num_chars omitted)
Full String Return
=LEFT("ABC",5)Returns entire string 'ABC' when num_chars exceeds length
LEFTB Example (DBCS)
=LEFTB(A4,2)Extracts first 2 bytes for double-byte character compatibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#VALUE! error
Cause: num_chars or num_bytes is negative
Solution: Ensure count parameter is ≥0
Unexpected results with DBCS
Cause: Using LEFT instead of LEFTB with double-byte text
Solution: Use LEFTB for legacy DBCS compatibility
Notes
- num_chars/num_bytes must be ≥0
- If omitted, defaults to 1
- Exceeding string length returns full string
- LEFTB deprecated but available for backward compatibility
- Modern Excel LEFT handles Unicode better
Compatibility
Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365
Not available in:
Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+