Truncating cells

  • Thread starter Thread starter Matt Verdill
  • Start date Start date
M

Matt Verdill

Hello,
I have a spreadsheet full of student names (Last, First, Middle) each in a
separate column. I need to shorten the Middle Name column down to just the
Middle Initial (1 character). It would be nice to do these using a function
rather that edit them individually.

I've tried the truncate function but could not get that to work. Any
suggestions?

Thanks,
Matt Verdill
 
Greetings,

You need to use the LEFT function. In a new cell, type this formula:

=LEFT(A1,1)

Where A1 is the cell with the Middle Name and 1 is the number of characters.

James Walker, Jr.
 
Matt,

I think I can handle this...

LEFT(A1,1)

If you need the period at the end its

=LEFT(A1,1)&"."

Beege.
 
Insert a "helper" column between B and C.
Select Column B with the Middle names, then:
<Data> <TextToColumns>
Click "Fixed Width", then <Next>

Click in the preview window to create a "break line", and drag the line to
separate the first initial from the rest of the name.
Then, <Finish>

You now have Column B filled with *only* the first initial, and this is
actual text, *not* a formula returning text.

You can delete the "helper" Column C if you wish.
--
HTH,

RD
==============================================
Please keep all correspondence within the Group, so all may benefit!
==============================================
 
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