Compact mode
LEFT vs NOW vs DAYS
Table of content
Basic Classification Comparison
Function Category 📊
Primary classification of the Excel function based on its main purpose and usage domain, helps users quickly identify function typesLEFT- TextLEFT belongs to the Text category. Excel functions for manipulating and analyzing text data
NOWDAYSOperation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsLEFT- ManipulationLEFT performs Manipulation operations. Functions that modify and transform data in different ways
NOW- InformationNOW performs Information operations. Functions that focus on retrieving and displaying data in various formats
DAYS- CalculationDAYS performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionLEFT- Administrative StaffLEFT is designed for Administrative Staff. Excel functions useful for administrative tasks and data management Click to see all.
- Data AnalystsLEFT is designed for Data Analysts. Excel functions specifically designed for data analysis and interpretation Click to see all.
NOW- Administrative StaffNOW is designed for Administrative Staff. Excel functions useful for administrative tasks and data management Click to see all.
- Business ManagersNOW is designed for Business Managers. Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making Click to see all.
DAYS
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionLEFT- Text ExtractionLEFT is known for Text Extraction.
NOW- Current Date And Time RetrievalNOW is known for Current Date And Time Retrieval.
DAYS- Calculate Days Between DatesDAYS is known for Calculate Days Between Dates.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionLEFT- Often paired with RIGHT
NOW- Updates approximately 86400 times per day
DAYS- Replaced the older DATEDIF for simple calculations
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionLEFT- The function that discriminates against right-handed people
NOW- The function that never lets you forget you're late
DAYS- Counts days better than a calendar-obsessed squirrel
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyFor all*
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersLEFTNOW- DateNOW accepts Date as input data. Excel functions for working with dates and time values
DAYS- DateDAYS accepts Date as input data. Excel functions for working with dates and time values
Version Compatibility 💻
Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.For all*- Excel 2019Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version
- Excel 2016Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
- Excel 2013Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
LEFT- Microsoft 365LEFT is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
- Excel OnlineLEFT is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform
Operating System 💾
Specifies the operating systems where the function can be used < including Windows< macOS< and web platformsFor all*- WindowsExcel functions optimized for Windows operating system
- MacOSExcel functions optimized for MacOS users
- Web ExcelExcel functions available in web-based versions
Required Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlyLEFTNOW- ~
DAYSRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionLEFT- TextLEFT accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
- NumberLEFT accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
NOW- DateNOW accepts Date as input types Excel functions specialized in processing date and time calculations
DAYS- DateDAYS accepts Date as input types Excel functions specialized in processing date and time calculations
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionLEFT- Simple Text Extraction
- Consistent
- Easy Text Handling
- QuickQuick Excel functions deliver rapid results with minimal processing time
NOW- No Arguments NeededExcel functions that work without arguments provide quick results with minimal setup
- Updates Automatically
DAYS- Simple To Use
- Accurate Calculations
- Intuitive
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionLEFT- Limited To Left SideFunctions that only work with characters from the left side of text entries Click to see all.
- Fixed Length OnlyFunctions restricted to processing fixed-length inputs, reducing versatility Click to see all.
- Only Left Side
- Fixed LengthFunctions only process data of specific lengths, limiting adaptability Click to see all.
NOW- Updates With Every Calculation
- Can Slow Spreadsheets
DAYS
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to LEFT
RIGHT
Known for Extract Rightmost Characters
📈
is more versatile than LEFT
⚙
performs better than LEFT
⭐
is rated higher than LEFT
CONCATENATE
Known for Text Joining
📈
is more versatile than LEFT
⚙
performs better than LEFT
TRIM
Known for Remove Extra Spaces
⚙
performs better than LEFT
⭐
is rated higher than LEFT
SUBSTITUTE
Known for Replace Specific Text
🔢
needs fewer arguments than LEFT
📈
is more versatile than LEFT
⭐
is rated higher than LEFT
MID
Known for Extracting Text Segments
🔢
needs fewer arguments than LEFT
UPPER
Known for Converting Text To Uppercase
⚙
performs better than LEFT
EXACT
Known for Case-Sensitive Comparison
⚙
performs better than LEFT
LEN
Known for Character Count Calculation
⚙
performs better than LEFT
FIND
Known for Text Search And Position Finding
📈
is more versatile than LEFT