How To Use the MID Function in Excel (Plus Tips)

1. num_chars is optional and defaults to 1.
2. MID will extract text from numeric values, but the result is text.
3. Number formatting is not counted or extracted.

One of the Text functions offered by Microsoft Excel for modifying text strings is MID. It is used to extract a substring from the text string’s middle at the most fundamental level. We will discuss the syntax and details of the Excel MID function in this tutorial, and you will then learn a few innovative applications to complete difficult tasks.

How to use MID function in Excel

When can the MID function be useful?

If you want to condense long text strings, use this formula. An Excel user, for instance, might have a lengthy list of employee names. The user might want to separate the first- and last-name columns. They can do this by using the MID function to generate the first and last name of each employee. The first and last names’ character lengths may vary, so the Excel user can enter the formula for each cell separately.

What is the MID function in Excel?

Excel’s MID function is a formula that extracts a specific number of characters from a lengthy text string. This function consists of three inputs that you provide. The cell containing the first text string is the first element. The starting character and the number of characters you want to extract make up the second and third components.

How to use the MID function in Excel

The following is a list of steps for using Excel’s MID function:

1. Enter all your initial strings of text into individual cells

Enter each of your initial text strings into a separate cell as the first step. Entering each string of text into a column is one of the simplest ways to accomplish this. Employee names, course names, or any other text data that you want to condense can be used as this information.

2. Initiate the MID formula

The next step is to initiate the MID formula. The cell to the right of the cell containing your first string of text should be where you begin entering the MID formula. Put an equal sign before the word “MID” in the text box. ” Insert an open parenthesis.

3. Add the 3 inputs for the MID formula

You can add the text component by typing the cell name into the text box after inserting an open parenthesis. As an alternative, you can select the cell that houses your initial block of text by clicking on it. Insert a comma once you input the cell name. Add a space and designate your starting number. Where the first character you want to retrieve is located is indicated by the starting number.

Insert another comma and add a space. The number of characters you want to extract from the starting number is the last element you can enter into the MID formula. Let’s say, for illustration, that the text “Mr. Jones. The formula produces the result “Jones” if you set the starting number to 5 and the number of characters to 5. “.

4. Close the MID formula

After entering all required data, you can close the MID formula. On your keyboard, type a closing parenthesis and press “Enter.” Excel executes the command by obtaining the specified number of characters from your starting number, as can be seen.

Example of the MID function in Excel

Heres an example of the MID function in Excel:

A manager of an athletic shoe wear company copies data from an Excel inventory sheet from a supplier. The words “Product Name” are placed in front of each of the product names. In order to improve the readability of the data, the manager wants to eliminate these two words from all product names.

They enter the formula “=MID(A1, 14, 25)” into cell B1. The new cell generates all characters following the phrase “Product Name” due to the formula’s “14” element. It also excludes the space after “Name. The “25” element makes sure that every character following a “Product Name” is clearly visible. The manager copies this formula to cells B3 through B10.

Tips for using the MID function in Excel: AB1Initial Product Name**New Product Name**2Product Name RevolutionRevolution3Product Name FiascoFiasco4Product Name StrikeStrike5Product Name RealmRealm6Product Name AnchorAnchor7Product Name ExpressExpress8Product Name FusionFusion9Product Name AlleyAlley10Product Name FoxFox##

Here are some pointers for using Excel’s MID function:

Copy the formula for other cells automatically

The MID formula can be copied to multiple cells simultaneously after being entered just once. Hover over the cell that currently contains the MID formula. Look for a large black plus sign to appear. To apply the formula to additional cells in your Excel worksheet, click this plus sign and move your cursor downward.

Only use cell designations for the “text” input

Make sure to input the text using a cell designation after typing the “=MID(” portion of the MID formula. Typing the actual text in this area produces an error. By clicking the cell that contains your original string of text or by typing the cell name, you can input the desired cell.

Only provide inputs that are 1 or greater

An empty cell or a #VALUE! error is produced when either the starting number or the number of characters are set to 0. Inputting any negative number produces similar results. Consistently enter 1 or more for the starting number and the number of characters inputs.

Consider choosing a large number for the “number of characters” element

Consider selecting a high number when choosing the “number of characters” element of the MID formula. This is useful if you want to include the remaining characters in a string of text but leave out the first part. For instance, by selecting “100” for the “number of characters” input, the new cell will not omit any of the characters that come after the starting number.

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FAQ

How do you use mid in?

1. Select the cell in which you want the combined data.
2. Type the formula, with text inside double quotes. For illustration: “Due in A3 days” End or start the text string with a space to separate the text strings from the numbers.
3. Press Enter to complete the formula.

How do I put a formula in the middle of a cell in Excel?

1. Select the cell in which you want the combined data.
2. Type the formula, with text inside double quotes. For illustration: “Due in A3 days” End or start the text string with a space to separate the text strings from the numbers.
3. Press Enter to complete the formula.

Which formula is correct for a mid function?

1. Select the cell in which you want the combined data.
2. Type the formula, with text inside double quotes. For illustration: “Due in A3 days” End or start the text string with a space to separate the text strings from the numbers.
3. Press Enter to complete the formula.