7 Easy Ways To Remove First Two Digits From Numbers In Excel

Removing the first two digits from numbers in Excel can seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you know the right methods! Whether you're cleaning up a dataset or reformatting numbers for better readability, there are several techniques you can employ. Let’s dive into seven easy ways to achieve this task effectively. 🚀

1. Using Excel Functions: MID Function

One of the most straightforward methods to remove the first two digits is by using the MID function. This function allows you to extract a substring from a string.

How to Use:

• Assume your number is in cell A1.
• Use the formula:

  =MID(A1, 3, LEN(A1)-2)
  

• This formula tells Excel to start at the third character and continue for the length of the string minus two characters.

2. Using the RIGHT Function

Another simple approach is to use the RIGHT function to extract the last characters of your number.

How to Use:

• With the number in cell A1, enter the following formula:

  =RIGHT(A1, LEN(A1)-2)
  

• This extracts all characters from the string, except for the first two.

3. Utilizing Text to Columns Feature

If you have a lot of data and prefer a quick, manual method, the Text to Columns feature can help.

How to Use:

1. Select the column containing your numbers.
2. Go to the Data tab and click on Text to Columns.
3. Choose Delimited and click Next.
4. On the next screen, make sure no delimiters are selected and click Next.
5. In the Column data format, select General.
6. Click Finish. Now you'll have to remove the first two digits manually or create a new formula as above.

4. Using Find & Replace

If your numbers are formatted consistently, you can also use Find & Replace to streamline the process.

How to Use:

1. Highlight the cells with numbers.
2. Press Ctrl + H to open the Find & Replace dialog.
3. In the Find what box, type the first two digits you want to remove.
4. Leave the Replace with box blank and hit Replace All.
5. This will remove those digits from your dataset.

5. Implementing the SUBSTITUTE Function

For more dynamic changes where the first two digits may vary, you can utilize the SUBSTITUTE function effectively.

How to Use:

• In cell B1, type:

  =SUBSTITUTE(A1, LEFT(A1, 2), "")
  

• This replaces the first two digits found with nothing, effectively removing them.

6. Applying Array Formulas (for advanced users)

If you want to apply a more complex solution, array formulas can help process multiple cells at once.

How to Use:

• Select a range of cells and enter the formula:

  =MID(A1:A10, 3, LEN(A1:A10)-2)
  

• Ensure to finalize with Ctrl + Shift + Enter to make it an array formula.

7. Custom VBA Macro (for automation)

For those who frequently need to remove digits, creating a VBA macro can automate this process.

How to Use:

1. Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.
2. Go to Insert > Module and paste the following code:

   Sub RemoveFirstTwoDigits()
       Dim cell As Range
       For Each cell In Selection
           If IsNumeric(cell.Value) Then
               cell.Value = Mid(cell.Value, 3)
           End If
       Next cell
   End Sub
   

3. Close the editor and return to Excel. Select the range you want to modify, press Alt + F8, select RemoveFirstTwoDigits, and click Run.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While the above methods are generally straightforward, there are common pitfalls to watch for:

• Data Types: Ensure your numbers are treated as text if you're using text-based functions.
• Blank Cells: Some formulas may yield errors if cells are empty. Consider incorporating error handling.
• Overwriting Data: Always create a backup of your data before applying any major changes.

Troubleshooting Issues

If you run into issues while using any of these methods, here are some tips:

• Check Cell Formats: Ensure that the cells are formatted correctly to avoid errors.
• Re-evaluate Formulas: If a formula isn't working, double-check that the cell references are correct.
• Data Validation: Make sure there are no non-numeric values in your selections if you’re working with numbers.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I remove more than two digits using these methods?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can modify the formulas or processes to remove as many digits as you need by adjusting the starting point accordingly.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if my numbers have leading zeros?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Leading zeros will be lost in most numeric formats, so consider formatting your numbers as text before processing.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is there a way to preview the changes before applying them?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can always use a separate column to apply the formulas first and review the results before replacing the original data.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Removing the first two digits from numbers in Excel can be an effortless task with the right techniques. By applying these seven easy methods, you can streamline your data-cleaning efforts while avoiding common mistakes. Remember to try out these methods for yourself! 💪

<p class="pro-note">🔧Pro Tip: Always back up your data before making bulk changes to avoid loss!</p>