MID Function: syntax, examples, mistakes and translation notes
Returns characters from the middle of text.
Syntax
=MID(text, start_num, num_chars)
Arguments
text
Text to extract from.
start_num
1-based character position to start at.
num_chars
Number of characters to return.
Worked examples
=MID("CellLingo",5,5)
Returns “Lingo”.
=MID(A2,3,4)
Returns four characters beginning at position 3.
Practical tips
- start_num is one-based, so the first character is position 1.
- Use SEARCH/FIND when start position depends on a delimiter.
- For delimiter-based extraction, TEXTBEFORE/TEXTAFTER can be easier to read.
Common mistakes
- Treating the starting position as zero-based.
- Calculating a negative character count from missing delimiter positions.
Related functions
Frequently asked questions
What does MID do?
Returns characters from the middle of text.
Why might a MID formula return an unexpected result?
Treating the starting position as zero-based. Start by testing the smallest referenced range or condition independently before adding wrappers or fallbacks.
Check the complete formula
Function syntax is only one part of a working workbook. Paste the finished expression into the Formula Checker for structural warnings, the Formatter for readability or the Translator when a supported locale mapping is involved.
Testing note: examples are educational. Spreadsheet versions, locale settings, tables, named ranges and workbook data can change behavior, so validate important formulas with representative data.