IntermediateText
Syntax
=MID(text, start_num, num_chars)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
text | The text or cell. |
start_num | The position of the first character you want. 1 is the first. |
num_chars | How many characters to take. |
Examples with results
Every result below is calculated by the practice engine on the sample data shown, not typed in by hand.
Examples that need no data
=MID("Dubai Marina",7,6)Six characters starting at position 7
=MID("INV-2025-0042",5,4)The year inside a reference
Try it yourself
Change the formula or switch to other sample data.
Press Calculate to see the result.
The practice box runs in your browser with BDK’s own calculator, which covers about 60 common functions. Cell references work as in Excel (B2, B2:B9). Your formulas are not saved or sent anywhere. For anything unusual, check the result in Excel itself.
How people use MID at work
- Administration
Pull the middle part of a code.
Data: Customer invoices (fictional)=MID(A2,5,4) - HR
Surname from "First Last".
Data: Team list (fictional)=MID(A2,FIND(" ",A2)+1,50)
Common mistakes and tips
- The start position counts from 1, not 0.
Works in
All versions of Excel, and Google Sheets.
Lessons that use it
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