In this article, we will learn How to use the ... function in Excel.
What is replace and substitute in Excel ?
There are two functions in excel which are used to replace value in already existing values. You must be thinking why Excel gives two similar functions for the same task. There is a huge difference in the usage of two functions.
SUBSTITUTE function substitutes value in place of other given value. For example replace "at" with "on" in text wherever existed or number of times to edit. These flexibilities are handled by SUBSTITUTE function. Unlike the REPLACE function we don't need to provide the position of the replacement text. Let's learn more about SUBSTITUTE function syntax and an example to illustrate its use.
REPLACE Function in Excel
The REPLACE function replaces the text from the cell. Replaced text is provided in the formula. Unlike SUBSTITUTE function we need to provide the position of the replacement text.
Syntax:
| =REPLACE (old_text, start_num, num_chars, new_text) |
old_text is the find text
start_num is the first replacement begin from
num_chars is the the count of characters to replace beginning from start_num
new_text is the replace text
Example :
All of these might be confusing to understand. Let's understand how to use the function using an example. Here we have some Old_text and other arguments of the REPLACE function.
Use the formula
| =REPLACE(A2,B2,C2,D2) |
Explanation:
Starting from position 1
3 chars will be replaced with the new text Bus
Press Enter
Copy the formula in other cells, select the cells taking the first cell where the formula is already applied, use shortcut key Ctrl + D
In the E3 cell we just erased the text Whole from the A3 Cell.
SUBSTITUTE function and REPLACE function
Here we have the same text. We will perform multiple tasks on it.
Use Substitute function to replace 2013 to 2016 (First occurrence)
| =SUBSTITUTE(A2,2013,B2,1) |
Use Replace function to replace 2013 to 2016 (First occurrence)
| =REPLACE(A3,17,4,B3) |
Now we need to replace both 2013 text
Use Substitute function to replace 2013 to 2016 (All occurrence)
| =SUBSTITUTE(A2,2013,B2) |
Use Replace function to replace 2013 to 2016 (All occurrence)
| =REPLACE(REPLACE(A5,17,4,B5),31,4,B5) |
Nested REPLACE function replaces both texts
The results are in front of you. As we can see text been changed.
Here are all the observational notes using the SUBSTITUTE function in Excel
Notes :
Hope this article about How to use the ... function in Excel is explanatory. Find more articles on calculating values and related Excel formulas here. If you liked our blogs, share it with your friends on Facebook. And also you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook. We would love to hear from you, do let us know how we can improve, complement or innovate our work and make it better for you. Write to us at info@exceltip.com.
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