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

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

## Example

```javascript
left([Full Name],4)
```

When the field Full Name has the value of Johny Rivers, this will return John

## **Excel equivalent**

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