RIGHT Function: syntax, examples, mistakes and translation notes
Returns characters from the end of text.
Syntax
=RIGHT(text, [num_chars])
Arguments
text
Text to extract from.
num_chars
Optional number of characters from the right; defaults to 1.
Worked examples
=RIGHT("CellLingo",5)
Returns “Lingo”.
=RIGHT(A2,LEN(A2)-FIND("-",A2))
Returns text after the first hyphen when one exists.
Practical tips
- Combine with LEN and FIND/SEARCH for variable-length extraction.
- Use TEXTAFTER in newer Excel versions when the delimiter is the real concept.
- Test formulas against rows with no delimiter.
Common mistakes
- Using a fixed character count when source strings vary.
- Ignoring error cases where the delimiter is absent.
Related functions
Frequently asked questions
What does RIGHT do?
Returns characters from the end of text.
Why might a RIGHT formula return an unexpected result?
Using a fixed character count when source strings vary. 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.