How To Remove Last Three Characters In Excel

Struggling with how to remove the last three characters from a cell in Excel? This common task can be tricky, but with the right techniques, it becomes simple.

Our guide will walk you through several methods, including functions and formulas, to efficiently strip characters from your data.

Additionally, we'll explore why Sourcetable offers a more user-friendly alternative for this operation compared to traditional Excel methods.

Remove Last Three Characters in Excel

Using LEFT and LEN Functions

To remove the last three characters from a string in Excel, use the LEFT and LEN functions combined in the following formula: =LEFT(string, LEN(string) - 3). This method utilizes the LEFT function to return the string without the last three characters.

VBA Custom Function: RemoveLastChars

Create a VBA function called RemoveLastChars to remove the last three characters from a string. This custom function requires you to write a simple script in Excel's VBA editor and then use the function like this: =RemoveLastChars(string, 3).

Ablebits Ultimate Suite: Remove by Position

Use the Remove by Position feature in the Ablebits Ultimate Suite for a quick, non-formula solution to remove the last three characters from a string with just a few clicks.

Flash Fill

For Excel 2013 and later, Flash Fill can intuitively remove the last three characters from a string. Type the desired result in an adjacent cell, and use Flash Fill to apply the pattern to the rest of your data.

Remember

Adjust your formulas to match the list separator set in your Windows Regional settings; use a comma for the USA, UK, and some English-speaking countries, and a semicolon for most European countries.

Excel vs. Sourcetable: The Modern Data Integration Battle

Excel has been the go-to spreadsheet tool for decades, offering robust calculation and data management capabilities. Its familiar interface and extensive toolset make it a staple in data analysis. However, Excel requires manual data integration, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.

Sourcetable emerges as a powerful alternative, streamlining data integration from multiple sources. Its spreadsheet-like interface allows for efficient data query, catering to the growing demand for centralized data access in today's multifaceted data environments.

Unlike Excel, Sourcetable introduces an AI copilot feature. This innovation assists users in creating complex formulas and templates effortlessly. The AI-powered chat interface simplifies data manipulation, making advanced analytics accessible to non-expert users.

Sourcetable's AI capabilities represent a significant leap forward in user assistance within spreadsheet tools. This positions Sourcetable as a forward-thinking choice for businesses seeking to leverage AI for enhanced data interaction and improved productivity.