Compact mode
LEFT vs SEARCH
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 typesBoth*- TextExcel functions for manipulating and analyzing text data
Operation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsBoth*- ManipulationFunctions that modify and transform data in different ways
Usage Context Comparison
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionLEFT- Text ExtractionLEFT is known for Text Extraction.
SEARCH- Case-Insensitive SearchSEARCH is known for Case-Insensitive Search.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionLEFT- Often paired with RIGHT
SEARCH- Was inspired by word processing software
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionLEFT- The function that discriminates against right-handed people
SEARCH- Sometimes finds things you wish it hadn't
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyBoth*
Technical Details Comparison
Version Compatibility 💻
Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.Both*- 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 platformsBoth*- 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 properlyBoth*Required Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionBoth*- TextExcel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
LEFT- NumberLEFT accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
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
SEARCH- Case Insensitive
- Flexible Search Options
- Returns Position
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.
SEARCH
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