How to Remove Last Digit in Excel

Are you wondering how to remove the last digit in Excel? Well, you are in the right place. Sometimes when working with numbers in Excel, you may find yourself wanting to eliminate a digit at the end of a cell. This could be because of a typo, incorrect data entry, or any other reason. While there are various ways of removing the last digit in Excel, there is a simple and effective method that we will outline in this post. Keep reading to find out how to achieve this in just a few steps.

Method 1: Using the LEFT Function

The LEFT function in Excel enables us to extract a specified number of characters from a text string starting from the left side. In this case, we want to remove the last digit. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Select a cell

Select the cell containing the number you want to remove the last digit from.

Step 2: Create a new cell

Next, create a new cell where the result will appear.

Step 3: Enter the LEFT function

In the new cell, enter the formula =LEFT(cell, len(cell)-1). Replace ‘cell’ with the cell reference containing the number you want to modify. This formula extracts all characters except for the last one.

Step 4: Press Enter

Press Enter to see the new cell content without the last digit.

Method 2: Using the TRUNC Function

The TRUNC function removes all decimal places or a specified number of decimal places from a number. Since we want to remove a digit from the end of a whole number, we can use this function. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Select a cell

Select the cell containing the number you want to modify.

Step 2: Create a new cell

Create a new cell where the result will appear.

Step 3: Enter the TRUNC function

In the new cell, enter the formula =TRUNC(cell/10). Replace ‘cell’ with the cell reference containing the number you want to modify. This formula divides the number by 10 and removes all decimal places.

Step 4: Press Enter

Press Enter, and voila! The new cell now shows the number without the last digit.

Method 3: Using the SUBSTITUTE Function

The SUBSTITUTE function allows us to replace a character or text string with another character or text string. In this method, we will replace the last digit with nothing to remove it. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Select a cell

Select the cell containing the number you want to modify.

Step 2: Create a new cell

Create a new cell where the result will appear.

Step 3: Enter the SUBSTITUTE function

In the new cell, enter the formula =SUBSTITUTE(cell,RIGHT(cell,1),""). Replace ‘cell’ with the cell reference containing the number you want to modify. This formula replaces the rightmost character (last digit) with nothing.

Step 4: Press Enter

Press Enter, and there you go! The new cell now displays the number without the last digit.

Why Remove the Last Digit in Excel?

There are several reasons you may need to remove the last digit in Excel. For example:

• Fixing typos: You may have accidentally typed an extra digit that isn’t part of the actual data you’re working with.
• Converting numbers: You may need to convert a number that has the last digit representing a unit of measurement like feet to inches, or dollars to cents.
• Analyzing data: Sometimes when analyzing data, you may need to remove the last digit to make calculations or comparisons.

Other Excel Functions That Come in Handy

There are many more Excel functions that can help you manipulate data with ease. Some of the most popular ones include:

• RIGHT: This function extracts a specified number of characters from a text string starting from the right side.
• LEN: This function returns the number of characters in a cell, allowing you to use it with other functions.
• CONCATENATE: This function combines two or more strings of text into one string.
• IF: This function allows you to test a condition and return one value if the condition is true and another value if it is false.

In Conclusion

Removing the last digit from a number in Excel is easy and straightforward with the steps we’ve outlined above. Whether you use the LEFT, TRUNC, or SUBSTITUTE function, you can save yourself time and effort by manipulating your data without manually editing each cell. Don’t forget to explore other functions in Excel to make your work simpler and more efficient. We hope you found this post helpful; please feel free to leave any comments or questions below.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about removing the last digit in Excel:

Q: How can I remove only the last decimal place from a number in Excel?

A: You can use the ROUND function to eliminate the last decimal. To remove one decimal place, use the formula =ROUND(cell,decimals-1), where ‘cell’ is the cell reference and ‘decimals’ is the number of decimal places.

Q: Can I remove the last digit from multiple cells at once?

A: Yes, you can apply any of the above functions to multiple cells by copying the formula to other cells. Simply select the cell containing the formula, copy it, and then select the cells you want to apply it to and paste.

Q: Is there a way to remove the last digit from only specific cells in Excel?

A: Yes, you can specify the cells you want to modify by changing the cell reference in the formulas we’ve outlined above. This allows you to selectively remove the last digit from only the cells you want.

Q: Can I use any function to remove the last digit from a number?

A: While there are many functions in Excel that can help you manipulate data, not all functions will work for removing the last digit. The LEFT, TRUNC, and SUBSTITUTE functions are among the most effective for this task.

Q: What is the difference between the LEFT and RIGHT function in Excel?

A: The LEFT and RIGHT functions are very similar, with the only difference being the side of the text string they start from. The LEFT function starts from the left side and extracts a specified number of characters, while the RIGHT function starts from the right side and extracts a specified number of characters.