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How To Remove The Last 2 Digits In An Excel Column

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Introduction

Struggling with numerical data in Excel can be time-consuming, especially when you need to remove the last two digits from a column of numbers. Mastering the right techniques to manipulate data efficiently is crucial for productivity.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to quickly remove the last two digits in an Excel column. We'll also show you how Sourcetable's AI chatbot can handle this and any other spreadsheet task instantly through natural conversation - just upload your file and tell it what you want to do, then try it yourself.

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How to Remove Last 2 Digits in Excel Column

Using LEFT and LEN Functions

To remove the last two characters from a cell in an Excel column, use the formula =LEFT(A1, LEN(A1)-2). This formula calculates the length of the text and retains everything except the last two characters.

Utilizing Flash Fill

Flash Fill in Excel can quickly remove characters from the end of a string. Type the desired result in the next cell, select the cells where you want Flash Fill to apply, and then use the Flash Fill option.

Ultimate Suite's Remove by Position

The Ultimate Suite for Excel offers a Remove by Position feature, which can efficiently remove characters from the right side of a string, including the last two digits or letters.

Custom VBA Function

For more complex tasks or repetitive processes, you can create a custom VBA function to remove the first or last n characters from a string within a column.

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Why Learning How to Remove Last 2 Digits in Excel Column is Useful

Removing last 2 digits in Excel columns enables data cleanup and standardization for numerical data. This skill helps in managing financial data, product codes, or any numerical identifiers that need specific formatting.

Business Applications

Data professionals regularly need to standardize numbers by removing trailing digits for reporting, analysis, or database compatibility. This function can help process sales data, inventory numbers, or financial records more effectively.

Time-Saving Benefits

Knowing how to remove last 2 digits in Excel saves time compared to manual editing. This technique can be applied to entire columns at once, increasing productivity when handling large datasets.

Data Accuracy

Using Excel's built-in functions to remove digits reduces human error. This ensures consistency across datasets and maintains data integrity in spreadsheets.

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Use Cases for Excel Last Digit Removal

Financial Figure Formatting

When working with large financial datasets, removing the last two digits allows you to quickly convert detailed figures into thousands. This simplifies financial reporting and makes large numbers more readable for high-level presentations.

Employee ID Number Truncation

In HR reporting, truncating employee ID numbers can help maintain privacy while still allowing for data analysis. This technique is particularly useful when creating summarized reports for management review.

Dataset Decimal Cleanup

When dealing with numerical data that contains unnecessary decimal places, removing the last two digits helps streamline the information. This results in cleaner, more manageable datasets without sacrificing meaningful data.

Software Input Formatting

Some software systems require specific numerical formats for data import. By removing the last two digits, you can quickly adjust your data to meet these requirements and ensure successful data migration.

Short Code Generation

Converting long numerical identifiers into shorter codes can improve data handling efficiency. This technique allows you to create abbreviated references while maintaining a systematic connection to the original identifiers.

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Excel vs. Sourcetable: A New Era of Spreadsheets

The traditional spreadsheet landscape is evolving with Sourcetable, an AI-powered alternative to Excel. While Excel relies on manual functions and complex formulas, Sourcetable transforms spreadsheet work through natural language conversations with an AI assistant. Simply describe what you want to achieve, and Sourcetable's AI creates, analyzes, and visualizes your data instantly.

Data Analysis Approach

Excel requires users to master hundreds of functions and formulas for data analysis. Sourcetable eliminates this learning curve by letting users communicate their analysis needs through simple chat conversations with AI, delivering instant results.

Data Processing Capabilities

While Excel struggles with large datasets, Sourcetable handles files of any size and connects directly to databases. Users can upload CSV, XLSX files or link their database to perform comprehensive analysis through natural language requests.

Visualization and Reporting

Instead of manually creating charts and graphs in Excel, Sourcetable's AI automatically generates stunning visualizations based on your data and requirements. Simply describe the visualization you want, and the AI creates it instantly.

Workflow Efficiency

Rather than spending hours navigating Excel's features, Sourcetable users can create complete spreadsheets, generate sample data, and perform complex analyses by simply telling the AI what they need. Try Sourcetable today at https://app.sourcetable.com/ to instantly answer any spreadsheet question.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I remove the last two digits from cells in an Excel column?

Use the formula =LEFT(A1,LEN(A1)-2), where A1 is your cell reference. This formula takes the left portion of the text string, excluding the last two characters.

How does the formula for removing last two digits work in Excel?

The formula =LEFT(A1,LEN(A1)-2) works by calculating the total length of the string using LEN(A1), subtracting 2 from that length, and then returning that many characters from the left side of the text.

Can you show an example of removing the last two characters in Excel?

Using the formula =LEFT(A1,LEN(A1)-2), if your cell contains a value, it will return the same value minus the last two characters.

Conclusion

Excel functions like RIGHT, LEFT, and MID offer multiple ways to remove the last two digits from numbers. These methods work reliably across different Excel versions and data types.

For easier spreadsheet solutions, Sourcetable's AI chatbot can instantly answer questions about Excel formulas and data manipulation. Skip the manual steps and get immediate answers with Sourcetable today.



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