How to Use REPLACE Function in Google Sheets
In this article, you will learn how to utilize the REPLACE formula in Google Sheets. The REPLACE function is beneficial when you want to substitute a part of the text with a different text.
How to Use REPLACE formula in Google Sheets
- Type “=REPLACE” or navigate to the “Insert” tab (or “Functions” icon) → “Function” → “TEXT” → “REPLACE”.
- Select the text whose part you want to substitute with another text string.
- Define where the modification starts (“position”), how many letters (or numbers) you need to replace (“length”), and what the substitute text is (“new_text”).
- Press the “Enter” key.
The general syntax is as follows:
Text: This a text or value whose part is to be replaced with the “new_text”.
Position: This must be a positive number. This number determines where the replacement starts in the “text”.
Length: This also must be a positive number. This defines how many letters will be substituted from the “position”.
New_text: This is a text that takes the place of the specific length of text determined by “text” and “position” inputs.
As you can see from the examples in the picture below, you can substitute not only letters or marks but also numbers. If you want a number as an outcome of this formula, you can use the VALUE formula. You can combine the VALUE and REPLACE functions as follows: “=VALUE(REPLACE(B5,3,3,123))”. Furthermore, you can replace the entire text as shown in the fourth example (“LF”→“LiveFlow”).
How do you find and replace a value?
If you need to find a value in the first place, you can use Google Sheets’ Find and Replace functions. Read this article: How to Find and Replace Words in Google Sheets to learn how to use them.
Is there a way to replace all functions in Google Sheets?
The Find and Replace can also allow you to search cells for a function and replace them with a different formula. Check this article: How to Find and Replace Words in Google Sheets to learn how to use them.
