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SUBSTITUTE
A easy text formula for replacing matching text inside a string wherever it appears.
Syntax
=SUBSTITUTE(...)Step-by-step explanation
- 1Understand the job that SUBSTITUTE solves before you type the formula.
- 2Build or select the cells and ranges that SUBSTITUTE needs before typing it.
- 3Check the output and refine the range or criteria if needed.
Common mistakes
Replacing the wrong instance
Using it when positions matter more than text matches
Forgetting that optional instance numbers change the behavior
Example table
A quick scenario to connect the syntax to the result.
| 12 | 18 |
| 8 | 42 |
Formula
=SUBSTITUTE(A1:B2)
Result
42
Worked example
- 1Read the sample data first so you know what the formula needs to solve.
- 2Enter =SUBSTITUTE(A1:B2) in the result cell and press Enter.
- 3Check that the output matches 42.
Practice area
Use SUBSTITUTE when the text to swap is identified by its content rather than its position.
Match against the syntax block above.