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LEN
A easy text formula for counting how many characters are in a string.
Syntax
=LEN(...)Step-by-step explanation
- 1Understand the job that LEN solves before you type the formula.
- 2Build or select the cells and ranges that LEN needs before typing it.
- 3Check the output and refine the range or criteria if needed.
Common mistakes
Forgetting that spaces count
Using it when you need words instead of characters
Applying it to numbers without checking the display value
Example table
A quick scenario to connect the syntax to the result.
| 12 | 18 |
| 8 | 42 |
Formula
=LEN(A1:B2)
Result
42
Worked example
- 1Read the sample data first so you know what the formula needs to solve.
- 2Enter =LEN(A1:B2) in the result cell and press Enter.
- 3Check that the output matches 42.
Practice area
Use LEN when you need to measure text length before trimming, splitting, or validating it.
Match against the syntax block above.