How to Remove the Last Character from a String in Excel (Formula)

In Excel, to remove the last character from a string in a cell, you need to create a formula by combining LEFT and LEN functions. These functions allow removing the last character (right side) by trimming it while extracting the string.

Use the below steps to write this formula:

1. First, enter the LEFT function in a cell, and in the first argument, refer to the cell with the original text.
2. Next, in the second argument of LEFT, enter the LEN function.
3. After that, in the LEN function, refer to cell A2 and then close the LEN function with the closing parentheses.
4. In the end, minus 1 from the LEN function within the [num_chars] and close the LEFT function.

When you hit enter, it gives you a new string from the original string after removing the last character.

=LEFT(A1,LEN(A1)-1)

You can also use the TRIM function to remove any unwanted space you have after and before the string. Our example has a space between the “Champs” and “1”.

And when you remove the last character, the space stays with the string. See the below snapshot.

That’s why it’s better to use TRIM along with the LEFT and LEN.