Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Dissecting a String.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 13, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
If you have used BASIC before, you will be right at home with the string functions provided by VBA. The following table details the most common string functions and what they return.
| Function | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| Left(Source, Count) | Returns the left Count characters of Source. | |
| Mid(Source, Start [, Count]) | Returns the portion of Source beginning with the Start character. If Count is supplied, then the result is limited to that many characters. | |
| Right(Source, Count) | Returns the right Count characters of Source. |
When working with these string functions, remember that the Source variable must be declared as a string in order for the functions to work properly.
Note:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (9301) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Dissecting a String.
Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2021 or Microsoft 365. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word Step by Step today!
Need to use a macro to create a text string? One easy way to do it is to use the String function, described in this tip.
Discover MoreNeed to create a directory from within a macro? You can do it using a single command line, as detailed in this tip.
Discover MoreYou can easily store your macros in a template. If you create a document based on the template and then the document is ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here:
Comments