> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.inforiver.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.inforiver.com/formula-syntax/text-formatting-functions/left.md).
# LEFT
Returns the specified number of characters from the beginning (left side) of a text string and outputs the result as text.
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
```
Left function
## **Excel equivalent**
[LEFT](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/left-leftb-functions-9203d2d2-7960-479b-84c6-1ea52b99640c)
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