How to extract first/last n characters from string in Excel?

Extracting specific characters from strings in Excel is a common task, especially when dealing with data cleanup or preparation for analysis. Whether you need the first or last n characters from text entries, Excel provides robust tools to accomplish this with precision. This guide will demonstrate two effective methods: using straightforward Excel formulas and utilizing the advanced features of Kutools for Excel. Each approach caters to different needs, from simple extractions to handling larger datasets efficiently.

Extract first/last n characters from string with formula

In this section, I will show you how to use Excel formulas to extract the first or last N characters from cell strings in Excel.

Extract the first n characters from strings

Select a blank cell, here I select the Cell D6, enter the following formula and press Enter. And then drag the Fill Handle of this formula cell down to get the rest of the results.

=LEFT(B6,4)

Extract the last n characters from strings

To extract the last n characters, like the last 4 characters, enter the following formula in a cell and press Enter. Then drag the Fill Handle of this formula cell down to get the rest of the results.

=RIGHT(B6,4)

Easily extract first/last n characters from string with Kutools for Excel

Kutools for Excel offers a significant advantage for users who prefer not to rely on memorizing formulas. Its user-friendly interface and ability to quickly process large datasets make it an ideal tool for enhancing productivity and efficiency in Excel without the complexity of traditional formula-based approaches.

After installing Kutools for Excel, go to select Kutools > Text > Extract Text.

1. In the Extract Text dialog box, you need to configure as follows:
   1. Stay in the Extract by location tab.
   2. Select the range you want to extract text from.
   3. Select the The first N characters or The last N characters option as you need and specify the number of characters you want to extract.
   4. Click OK.
      
2. Another Extract Text dialog box pops up, you need to select a cell to output the extracted characters. Here I select D3.
   

Result

The first or last N characters has beed extracted from the cells of the selected range.

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Mastering the techniques to extract first or last n characters from strings in Excel can significantly streamline your data processing tasks. Whether you choose the formula-based method for quick tasks or Kutools for Excel for more complex data sets, both methods provide reliable solutions that enhance your data manipulation capabilities. With these skills, you can ensure that your data is precisely formatted to meet the needs of your analyses, reports, or any other applications that require specific text manipulation.

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