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How to check if text starts with a value in Excel and Google Sheets
Excel & Google Sheets
=LEFT(A2,5)="Order"✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Text | Starts with Order? |
| Order 1001 | |
| Invoice 2002 | |
| Order 1002 | |
| Return 500 | |
| Order 1003 |
=LEFT(A2,5)="Order"→TRUE
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Step by step
- 1Enter =LEFT(A2,5)="Order" — this returns TRUE if the first 5 characters equal "Order".
- 2Adjust the length argument (5) to match the number of characters in your prefix.
- 3Wrap in IF for a custom label: =IF(LEFT(A2,5)="Order","Sales","Other").
- 4For case-insensitive comparison, wrap both sides in LOWER: =LOWER(LEFT(A2,5))="order".
Tips
- Use COUNTIF with a wildcard for a compact check without specifying the prefix length: =COUNTIF(A2,"Order*")>0 returns TRUE if the cell starts with "Order".
Need it for your exact data?
Describe your columns in plain English and get the precise formula for your sheet, with the right Excel or Sheets syntax.
Frequently asked
Is there a dedicated STARTSWITH function?
Neither Excel nor Google Sheets has a built-in STARTSWITH, but the LEFT or COUNTIF wildcard approaches shown above are equally effective.
Can I check for multiple possible prefixes at once?
Use OR: =OR(LEFT(A2,3)="INV",LEFT(A2,3)="ORD") — or use SUMPRODUCT with an array of prefixes for a more compact formula.