# LEFT

The LEFT function returns the first character or characters in a text string, based on the number of characters you specify. When used with a number, the resultant value is stored as text.

## Syntax

```javascript
left(text/number, [num_chars])
```

## Arguments

text/number - The text string that contains the characters you want to extract. Required.

num\_chars - Specifies the number of characters you want LEFT to extract. Required.

## Example

```javascript
left([Full Name],4)
//When the field Full Name has the value of Johny Rivers, this will return John
```

<figure><img src="https://3062809325-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FEbkCXCUXmtUq5tcnUtZE%2Fuploads%2FoNiTM4gKzsAf1HnaWmS4%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=54828013-ffcf-4cb6-ba92-92aa3de15afe" alt=""><figcaption><p>Left function</p></figcaption></figure>

## **Excel equivalent**

[LEFT](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/left-leftb-functions-9203d2d2-7960-479b-84c6-1ea52b99640c)