How to Truncate Text in Excel: 6 Methods

Method 1 – Applying LEFT Function to Truncate Text in Excel

Steps:

Select a new cell D5 where you want to keep the result.
You should use the formula given below in the D5 cell.

=LEFT(C5,3)

We used only the LEFT function. This function will return a particular number of characters from the start of the text. Where C5 is that text and it will return the first 3 characters.

Applying LEFT Function to Truncate Text in Excel

You must press ENTER to get the result.

You can drag the Fill Handle icon to autofill the corresponding data in the rest of the cells D6:D13.

You will get all the joining months of employees.

Result of Using LEFT Function to Truncate Text in Excel

Method 2 – Employing RIGHT Function for Truncating Text

Steps:

You must select a new cell D5 where you want to keep the result.
You should use the formula given below in the D5 cell.

=RIGHT(C5,4)

We used only the RIGHT function. This function will return a particular number of characters from the end of the text. Where C5 is that text, and it will return the last 4 characters.

Press ENTER to get the result.

Employing RIGHT Function for Truncating Text in Excel

Drag the Fill Handle icon to autofill the corresponding data in the rest of the cells D6:D13.

You will get all the ending years of employees.

Method 3 – Using MID Function to Truncate Text in Excel

Steps:

Select a new cell D5 where you want to keep the result.
You should use the formula given below in the D5 cell.

=MID(C5,1,3)

We used only the MID function. This function will return a particular number of characters from a defined position in the text. Where C5 is that text, it will return from the first character to the third character.

Press ENTER to get the result.

Using MID Function to Truncate Text in Excel

Drag the Fill Handle icon to autofill the corresponding data in the rest of the cells D6:D13.

You will get all the starting months of employees.

Method 4 – Applying Text to Columns Feature in Excel

You have to define the column header. We attached an image.

Applying Text to Columns Feature to Truncate Text in Excel

Select cell C4:C13.
From the Data tab >> go to the Data Tools option.
Choose the Text to Columns feature.

At this time, you will see a new dialog box named Convert Text to Columns Wizard – Step 1 of 3.

You have to mark Delimited – Characters such as commas or tabs separate each field.
Press Next.

You will see another dialog box named Convert Text to Columns Wizard – Step 2 of 3.

You have to mark Comma, Space which is under the Delimiters. See the modified data in the Data preview box.
Press Next.

See a dialog box named Convert Text to Columns Wizard – Step 3 of 3.

You may keep General which is under the Column data format. Mark the Column data format based on your data type.
Choose the Destination.
Press Finish.

At this time, you will see the warning from Microsoft Excel.

Press OK on it.

See the truncated text in separate columns.

Result of Using Text to Columns Feature to Truncate Text in Excel

Method 5 – Use TEXTSPLIT Function to Split Text in Excel

Define the column header. Below, we attached an image.
Select a new cell D5 where you want to keep the result.
You should use the formula given below in the D5 cell.

=TEXTSPLIT(C5,",")

We used only the TEXTSPLIT function. This function will separate a text based on a defined delimiter. Where C5 is that text and it will separate the text depending on comma (,). You must use an inverted comma to specify the delimiter.

Use TEXTSPLIT Function to Truncate Text in Excel