Extract Text: Get First 3 Letters Fast

Key insights

• Extract First 3 Letters: Quickly pull the first three characters from any text string to create codes, initials, or short labels.
  Use this for contacts, product SKUs, or compact identifiers.
• LEFT (Excel): Use =LEFT(A2,3) to get the first three letters from cell A2.
  The formula updates automatically when source cells change.
• Flash Fill: Type the desired result once and press Ctrl+E to auto-fill similar patterns in Excel.
  Fast for one-off cleaning but not dynamic if the source data changes.
• Power Query: Use Transform > Extract > First Characters (enter 3) for large or repeated tasks.
  This method scales well and keeps your original data intact.
• Google Sheets: The same LEFT(A2,3) works in Sheets; alternatively use REGEXEXTRACT for complex patterns.
  Choose LEFT for simple, fast results.
• Best Practices: Trim extra spaces before extracting and handle short or blank entries with a conditional check.
  Example: =IF(LEN(TRIM(A2))>=3,LEFT(TRIM(A2),3),TRIM(A2)) keeps results clean and reliable.

Keywords

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