left

 The LEFT function in Excel is used to extract a specified number of characters from the beginning (left side) of a text string. Below are 10 examples of how the LEFT function can be used, including data and formulas:

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Example 1: Basic Usage

Data:
Cell A1: Hello World

Formula:
=LEFT(A1, 5)
Result: Hello
Explanation: Extracts the first 5 characters from the text in A1.

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Example 2: Extract First Word

Data:
Cell A2: Excel Functions

Formula:
=LEFT(A2, FIND(" ", A2) - 1)
Result: Excel
Explanation: Finds the space character and extracts all characters before it.

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Example 3: Extract File Extension

Data:
Cell A3: report.xlsx

Formula:
=LEFT(A3, FIND(".", A3) - 1)
Result: report
Explanation: Extracts the file name without the extension.

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Example 4: Dynamic Length Extraction

Data:
Cell A4: 12345-6789

Formula:
=LEFT(A4, LEN(A4) - 5)
Result: 12345
Explanation: Extracts all characters except the last 5.

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Example 5: Extract Year from Date

Data:
Cell A5: 2023-10-15

Formula:
=LEFT(A5, 4)
Result: 2023
Explanation: Extracts the first 4 characters (the year) from the date string.

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Example 6: Extract First Initial

Data:
Cell A6: John Doe

Formula:
=LEFT(A6, 1)
Result: J
Explanation: Extracts the first character of the text.

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Example 7: Combine with TRIM

Data:
Cell A7: Trim Example

Formula:
=LEFT(TRIM(A7), 4)
Result: Trim
Explanation: Trims leading spaces and extracts the first 4 characters.

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Example 8: Extract Currency Symbol

Data:
Cell A8: $100.50

Formula:
=LEFT(A8, 1)
Result: $
Explanation: Extracts the first character, which is the currency symbol.

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Example 9: Extract First Name from Full Name

Data:
Cell A9: Jane Smith

Formula:
=LEFT(A9, FIND(" ", A9) - 1)
Result: Jane
Explanation: Finds the space and extracts all characters before it.

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Example 10: Extract Area Code from Phone Number

Data:
Cell A10: (123) 456-7890

Formula:
=LEFT(A10, FIND(")", A10) - 1)
Result: (123
Explanation: Extracts the area code from the phone number.

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These examples demonstrate the versatility of the LEFT function in Excel. You can combine it with other functions like FIND, LEN, and TRIM to achieve more advanced text manipulation.