Formulas > =LEN()

How To Use LEN() Function in Google Sheets

Description

Returns the length of a string.

What are the common questions about the LEN formula?

What does the LEN formula do in Google Sheets?
How do I use the LEN formula to count the number of characters in a cell?
Can the LEN formula count spaces and special characters?
Can I use the LEN formula to count the number of words in a cell?
How can I combine the LEN formula with other formulas or functions?

How can the LEN formula be used appropriately?
Counting the number of characters in a cell or a range of cells.
Determining the length of a text string to perform conditional formatting or data validation.
Calculating the number of characters in a cell to limit input length in a data entry field.
Combining the LEN formula with other formulas or functions to perform more complex calculations.

How can the LEN formula be commonly mistyped?
Misspelling the formula as "LENN" or "LENNN."
Forgetting to include the equal sign (=) at the beginning of the formula.
Incorrectly using uppercase or lowercase letters in the formula (e.g., Len, len, LeN).

What are some common ways the LEN formula is used inappropriately?
Using the LEN formula to count the number of cells in a range (use COUNT or COUNTA instead).
Applying the LEN formula to non-textual data, such as numbers or dates (it only counts characters in text strings).
Expecting the LEN formula to count words in a cell (it only counts characters, not words).

What are some common pitfalls when using the LEN formula?
Forgetting to update the formula when you copy or drag it to other cells, resulting in incorrect character counts.
Neglecting to consider leading or trailing spaces, which can affect the character count.
Misinterpreting the output of the LEN formula when dealing with multi-byte characters, such as emojis or non-English characters (it counts each character, not each visible symbol).

What are common mistakes when using the LEN formula?
Not properly referencing the cell or range in the formula, leading to errors.
Using the LEN formula within an incorrect syntax, such as combining it with incompatible operators or functions.
Overlooking the need to format the output of the LEN formula as a number, especially when using it as input for other calculations.

What are common misconceptions people might have with the LEN formula?
Assuming the LEN formula can count words in a cell (it only counts characters).
Believing the LEN formula can automatically exclude spaces or specific characters from the count (it counts all characters, including spaces).
Expecting the LEN formula to count the number of visible or rendered characters on the screen (it counts all characters, including formatting and hidden characters).

Google Sheet Formula Frustrations Solved
Find every formula you'll ever need in Google Sheets here at Better Sheets. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide of 504 formulas.

Are you struggling to find a specific value in a column of data? Look no further than the powerful VLOOKUP formula. Or maybe you need to calculate the sum of values that meet specific criteria - try out SUMIF. And when it comes to frequency of values, COUNTIF has you covered.

Have you heard of the mysterious and powerful IF formula? It can turn your spreadsheets into gateways of productivity. And don't forget about the oft-partner ISBLANK(). 

Find step-by-step tutorials for any formula here on Better Sheets. Every formula page comes with links to written blog posts and Better Sheets tutorials featuring the exact formula.

Looking for a way to segment data based on specific criteria? The FILTER formula is perfect for you. 

If you need to replace VLOOKUP, give INDEX/MATCH a try.

At bettersheets.co/formulas, I have everything you need to take your Google Sheets skills to the next level. 
From ARRAYFORMULA() to ZTEST(), Better Sheets has it all. 

How To Actually Use LEN() in Sheets

LEN(text)

11Better Sheets Tutorials

Upgrade to OpenAI's GPT 4 in your Google Sheets. And use GPT-3.5: Turbo for Powerful AI Prompt Calls! 

Learn how the new model enhances chat capabilities, including distinct messages and system prompts. Boost your productivity by integrating AI into your Google Sheets.
Walk through step-by-step going from a blank sheet to an AI powered prompt engineering cheat sheet of a spreadsheet.

Watch the Upgrade to GPT-4 video to see the differences between GPT-3 and GPT-4 Apps Script

Got an amazing tool from Inside Google Ads course by Jyll. She shares this tool, and I went for 30 minutes reviewing it, improving it, and redesigning it. Hope members can learn from this video. Jyll graciously allows me to share this sheet with members only!
I'll show you how I created a Twitter tool sort to organize my list of every tool I use to run better sheets.
Paste a list into Sheets and using a simple formula, I was able to determine the length of each item.

Then, I sorted the list in ascending order based on the length column. I even experimented with sorting it in descending order too!

Finally, I deleted the original list and pasted the sorted one using the "paste values" option. It's all done and ready to be shared. Check it out and let me know what you think! Don't forget to tweet about it if you find it helpful. Enjoy

Create a simple facebook ad mockup with image and primary text in a google sheet. Get character count too!
Created a daily email with a motivational quote in the subject.
Create a way to grade the quality of a domain based on many different votes and inputs and qualities. Like measuring the length and ranking the results.
I'm gonna show you how to make a character counter and then account characters. And then I'm also gonna show you how to make a limit. It's really simple. It's one formula and some conditional formatting
Learn to create a fun game called Hangman in Google Sheets with Better Sheets. Watch the video to challenge yourself and see how it works. What other games can you make inside of Google Sheets? Create a game of hangman inside Google Sheets. Showcases a few Google Sheet formulas like SEARCH()
Unlock the Secrets of SEO Meta Descriptions! Learn how to craft compelling meta descriptions using AI and Google Sheets. Boost your website's visibility and engage your audience. Dive into the world of effective SEO writing now! 
Find out how to turn some data you can copy/paste from the web into a branded lead magnet for yourself.

Check out Josh's Tweet about the sheet.
and check out his Podia.
 
The video shows the importance of adding personal touches to a Google Sheet to connect better with users. It explains how to analyze the sheet's data to find trends and best practices for website content. Lastly, it discusses ways to share the sheet widely while still giving credit to its creator.

Learn more about the LEN() formula:

LEN function

Discover how to use the LEN function with text string.

Generate a LEN() formula for your needs with AI

Google Sheets Formula Generator

Whatever you need to do in sheets, you can generate a formula. Use the Better Sheets Formula generator to create a formula for any need. Completely free for members.

Asa

Looking for more help inside sheets get the free Add-on: Asa. Ask Sheets Anything. Go ahead, ask it any problem you migth have. Bring your own APIKEY and generate formulas inside of Google Sheets.