How to use the LEN Function (WS, VBA)

This Excel tutorial explains how to use the Excel LEN function with syntax and examples.

Description

The Microsoft Excel LEN function returns the length of the specified string.
The LEN function is a built-in function in Excel that is categorized as a String/Text Function. It can be used as a worksheet function (WS) and a VBA function (VBA) in Excel. As a worksheet function, the LEN function can be entered as part of a formula in a cell of a worksheet. As a VBA function, you can use this function in macro code that is entered through the Microsoft Visual Basic Editor.

Syntax

The syntax for the LEN function in Microsoft Excel is:

LEN( text )

Parameters or Arguments

text

The string to return the length for.

Returns

The LEN function returns a numeric value.

Applies To

• Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2011 for Mac, Excel 2010, Excel 2007, Excel 2003, Excel XP, Excel 2000

Type of Function

• Worksheet function (WS)
• VBA function (VBA)

Example (as Worksheet Function)

Let's look at some Excel LEN function examples and explore how to use the LEN function as a worksheet function in Microsoft Excel:

Based on the Excel spreadsheet above, the following LEN examples would return:

=LEN(A1)
Result: 13

=LEN(A2)
Result: 16

=LEN("Excel")
Result: 5

=LEN("123")
Result: 3

=LEN(123)
Result: 3

Example (as VBA Function)

The LEN function can also be used in VBA code in Microsoft Excel.

Let's look at some Excel LEN function examples and explore how to use the LEN function in Excel VBA code:

Dim LResult As Long

LResult = Len ("www.techonthenet.com")

In this example, the variable called LResult would now contain the value 20.