How To Remove The Last 3 Numbers In Excel
Overview
Struggling with removing the last three digits from your data in Excel can be a common task when managing large datasets or preparing reports. Excel provides several methods to manipulate text strings, which can be employed to truncate numbers effectively.
In this guide, we'll cover the steps to remove the last three numbers from cells in Excel and introduce Sourcetable, a tool that streamlines this process, making it more user-friendly than the traditional Excel functions.
Remove Last 3 Numbers in Excel
Using LEFT and LEN Functions
To delete the last three digits from a cell in Excel, use the formula =LEFT(string, LEN(string) - 3). Replace string with the cell reference containing the number. This formula extracts all characters except the last three.
Employing Excel Flash Fill
For a non-formula approach, utilize Excel Flash Fill. Type the desired result in the cell next to the original data. Select the cell, go to the Data tab, and click on Flash Fill. Excel will replicate the pattern for the adjacent cells.
Creating Custom VBA Function
Advanced users can create a VBA function. Press ALT + F11, insert a module, and add the custom code for RemoveFirstChars. Use this function in a cell as =RemoveFirstChars(string, 3) to remove the last three characters.
Applying Excel Ultimate Suite
If you have Excel Ultimate Suite, use its features to remove characters without formulas. Follow the add-in's guidelines to quickly remove the last three digits from selected cells.
Common Use Cases
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Truncating product codes to categorize items by their family group
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Shortening ZIP+4 codes to standard 5-digit ZIP codes for simpler mailing address analysis
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Removing extension digits from phone numbers to standardize them for a contact list
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Cleaning up employee ID numbers to match a legacy system format
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Stripping year-end digits from fiscal year reports to generalize annual data
Excel vs. Sourcetable: Streamlining Data Management
Discover the modern approach to data handling with Sourcetable, designed to simplify complex data integration. Sourcetable's seamless connectivity to various data sources stands out, offering a unified view for data analysis.
Experience the power of automation with Sourcetable's AI copilot. Unlike Excel, this intelligent assistant accelerates formula creation, setting Sourcetable apart in efficiency and user support.
With Sourcetable, engage in an intuitive, chat-based interface to effortlessly manage data. This innovative feature contrasts with Excel's traditional, manual formula input, marking a leap in user interaction.
Maximize productivity with Sourcetable's template generation, a leap beyond Excel's capabilities. This function enables quick replication of successful models, optimizing time and resource utilization.
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