# Left - script and chart function

Left() returns a string consisting of the first (left-most) characters of the input string, where the number of characters in the returned string is determined by the second argument.

Syntax:

Left(text, count)

Return data type: string

Arguments:

Left arguments

| Argument | Description |
| --- | --- |
| text | The original string. |
| count | Defines the number of characters to included from the left-hand part of the string text. |

Examples and results:

Examples and results

| Example | Result |
| --- | --- |
| `Left('abcdef', 3)` | Returns 'abc' |

## Learn more

* [Index - script and chart function](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/qlikview/September2026/Subsystems/Client/Content/QV_QlikView/Scripting/StringFunctions/Index.htm)
* [Right - script and chart function](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/qlikview/September2026/Subsystems/Client/Content/QV_QlikView/Scripting/StringFunctions/Right.htm)