How to Use the TEXTBEFORE Function in WPS on Windows

Use TEXTBEFORE through 4 how-to topics in WPS Spreadsheets on Windows; all 4 topics are available without membership.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Enter the TEXTBEFORE function

Entry point: Formulas tab → formula bar

1. Open WPS Spreadsheets and select the cell where you want the result to appear.
2. Type = in the cell or in the formula bar.
3. Continue by typing TEXTBEFORE(.
4. Get ready to enter the text and delimiter arguments.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The cell enters formula editing mode.
• What you can do next: You can continue entering arguments and complete the formula.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If you do not start with =, the content is treated as plain text.

2. Fill in arguments with syntax prompts

Entry point: Function input prompt in the formula bar

1. After typing TEXTBEFORE(, check the syntax prompt that appears.
2. Enter the text value or cell reference first.
3. Enter the delimiter and add other arguments if needed.
4. Press Enter to confirm the formula.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The cell returns the text before the delimiter.
• What you can do next: You can copy the formula to other cells.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Unclosed parentheses or missing separators between arguments can cause a formula error.

3. Use TEXTBEFORE in cross-sheet or nested formulas

Entry point: Formula bar

1. Select the target cell and start entering the formula.
2. Reference a cell from another worksheet inside TEXTBEFORE, or place TEXTBEFORE inside a longer combined formula.
3. Check whether the reference range and delimiter are correct.
4. Press Enter to view the result.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The result cell shows the extracted text.
• What you can do next: You can continue combining it with other functions for more advanced processing.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: An incorrect sheet name in a cross-sheet reference can cause an unexpected result.

4. Check incorrect results and recalculate manually

Entry point: Result cell, formula bar

1. If the result is not correct, first check whether the source text and delimiter match.
2. Check whether the referenced cell contains the text you want to process.
3. Edit the formula if needed and confirm it again.
4. If the workbook does not update in time, press F9 to recalculate manually.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The incorrect result is corrected and the cell shows updated content.
• What you can do next: You can continue copying, filling, or saving the formula.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If the delimiter does not exist in the text, the returned result may not match your expectation.
• Environment note: Manual recalculation depends on the workbook being editable.