Len & Right

The Len function is the Length function.  This function simply tells how many characters are in a cell.  

Skill Builder:  Using the Len Function

1.	Click	Within the Cell where you would like the len function to 
		appear.

2.	Type	The Formula.  In this example, the formula will be     
		
		=len(cell address)

		For example, if you wanted to know how many 
		characters were in cell A2,  you would use the 
		following formula:
		=len(A2)

3.	Hit	Enter.  When you hit Enter, the number of characters in 
		the designated  cell will appear.

As was mentioned in the last section, the left function has a counterpart function, the right function.  This function will pick up, or identify a certain number of characters from the right side of the cell.  Let’s take a look at this.

Skill Builder:  Using the Right Function 

1.	Click 	In the Cell where you want the right function to appear.

2.	Type	The Function.  In this case the function is 
		
		=right(cell address of the cell you want to look in, the 
		number of characters you wish to pick up)

		For instance, if you want to pick up 5 characters from 
		the right of cell A2, you will use the function
		=right(A2,5)

3.  	Press	Enter.  When you press enter the first five characters of 
		the designated cell will appear.

Although these functions may seem to be unimportant when used singularly, they can be used very successfully as building blocks in step by step procedures.