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=LEN()


How to count characters in a cell or string


Pasted Graphic

All this formula does, is to count the number of characters in either a text string or a cell, using a cell reference.This is a formula that is mostly used in conjunction with other formulas, as all it provides, a the number of characters.

The syntax for the formula is:

=LEN([Either a "text string" or a cell reference])

Here is an example:
Go to cell A1 and type =LEN("This is a test!") and hit [Enter].
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What happens? You should get the number 15 as a result, as there are 15 characters in the text string.
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Here is another example:
Delete the contents of cell A1. Enter a text string in A1, for instance "This is the second test!"
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Go to cell A2 and type:
=LEN(A1)
and hit [Enter]. Cell A2 should now give you the number 24 (if you used the suggested text above).
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Go back to A1 and type something else, and see how the number in A2 changes accordingly.

Please note that spaces are regarded as characters!