---
title: "LEN function in Excel: syntax and examples | PracticeExcel"
description: "How to use LEN in Excel and Google Sheets: count characters, and spot extra spaces."
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://practiceexcelonline.com/llms.txt)

# **The LEN function**

Returns the number of characters in a text, spaces included.

=

LEN(

## **Syntax**

```
LEN(text)
```

<dl><dt>**text **</dt>
<dd>The text or cell to measure.</dd></dl>

## **Examples**

C1=LEN(A2)

|  | A | B | C |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | City |  | **10** |
| 2 | Copenhagen |  | |

C1=LEN(" hi ")

|  | A | B | C |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | City |  | **6** |
| 2 | Copenhagen |  | |

## **Practice LEN**

- [**1****Drop a prefix with RIGHT and LEN**→](https://practiceexcelonline.com/practice/left-right-mid/right-len-remove-prefix)
- [**2****Count the words in a cell**→](https://practiceexcelonline.com/practice/find-search/count-words-in-cell)

## **Read the guide**

- [**How to clean data in Excel with formulas**](https://practiceexcelonline.com/learn/clean-data-in-excel)
- [**How to create a drop-down list in Excel, and make it update itself**](https://practiceexcelonline.com/learn/drop-down-list-excel)

## **Related functions**

- [**TRIM**](https://practiceexcelonline.com/functions/trim)
- [**LEFT**](https://practiceexcelonline.com/functions/left)
- [**MID**](https://practiceexcelonline.com/functions/mid)

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