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How to find and replace text with a formula in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:Text manipulationExcel & Google Sheets
=SUBSTITUTE(A2,"old","new")✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Original | Result |
| cat sat on mat | |
| hat and cat | |
| catalog entry | |
| catfish recipe | |
| cat nap time |
=SUBSTITUTE(A2,"old","new")→cat sat on mat
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Step by step
- 1Enter =SUBSTITUTE(A2,"old","new") — replace "old" with the text to find and "new" with the replacement.
- 2SUBSTITUTE replaces ALL occurrences by default. To replace only the Nth occurrence, add a fourth argument: =SUBSTITUTE(A2,"o","0",2) replaces only the 2nd "o".
- 3SUBSTITUTE is case-sensitive — "Apple" and "apple" are treated differently.
- 4To replace case-insensitively you must use REPLACE with SEARCH to locate the position first.
Tips
- Chain multiple SUBSTITUTE calls to replace several different strings: =SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(A2,"cat","dog"),"hat","cap").
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Describe your columns in plain English and get the precise formula for your sheet, with the right Excel or Sheets syntax.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between SUBSTITUTE and REPLACE?
SUBSTITUTE finds a specific text value anywhere in the string; REPLACE targets a fixed character position and length.
Can I use wildcards in SUBSTITUTE?
No — SUBSTITUTE matches literal text only. Use REGEXREPLACE in Google Sheets for pattern-based replacements.
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