Compact mode
LEFT vs NOW vs YEAR
Table of content
Basic Classification Comparison
Function Category 📊
Primary classification of the Excel function based on its main purpose and usage domain, helps users quickly identify function typesLEFTNOWYEAROperation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsLEFTNOWYEAR
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionLEFT- Administrative StaffLEFT is designed for Administrative Staff. Excel functions useful for administrative tasks and data management Click to see all.
- Data AnalystsLEFT is designed for Data Analysts. Excel functions specifically designed for data analysis and interpretation Click to see all.
NOW- Administrative StaffNOW is designed for Administrative Staff. Excel functions useful for administrative tasks and data management Click to see all.
- Business ManagersNOW is designed for Business Managers. Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making Click to see all.
YEAR
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionLEFT- Text ExtractionLEFT is known for Text Extraction.
NOW- Current Date And Time RetrievalNOW is known for Current Date And Time Retrieval.
YEAR- Year ExtractionYEAR is known for Year Extraction.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionLEFT- Often paired with RIGHT
NOW- Updates approximately 86400 times per day
YEAR- Works with any date since 1900
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionLEFT- The function that discriminates against right-handed people
NOW- The function that never lets you forget you're late
YEAR- Y2K survived and still going strong
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyFor all*
Technical Details Comparison
Version Compatibility 💻
Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.For all*- Excel 2019Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version
- Excel 2016Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
- Excel 2013Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
LEFTOperating System 💾
Specifies the operating systems where the function can be used < including Windows< macOS< and web platformsFor all*Required Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlyLEFTNOW- ~
YEARRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionLEFT- TextLEFT accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing Click to see all.
- NumberLEFT accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs Click to see all.
NOWYEAR
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionLEFT- Simple Text Extraction
- Consistent
- Easy Text Handling
- QuickQuick Excel functions deliver rapid results with minimal processing time Click to see all.
NOW- No Arguments NeededExcel functions that work without arguments provide quick results with minimal setup Click to see all.
- Updates Automatically
YEARCons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionLEFT- Limited To Left SideFunctions that only work with characters from the left side of text entries Click to see all.
- Fixed Length OnlyFunctions restricted to processing fixed-length inputs, reducing versatility Click to see all.
- Only Left Side
- Fixed LengthFunctions only process data of specific lengths, limiting adaptability Click to see all.
NOW- Updates With Every Calculation
- Can Slow Spreadsheets
YEAR- Single Purpose
- Limited Flexibility
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to LEFT
TODAY
Known for Current Date Return⚙ performs better than NOW
WEEKDAY
Known for Day Of Week Determination🔢 needs fewer arguments than NOW
📈 is more versatile than NOW
⚙ performs better than NOW
DAYS
Known for Calculate Days Between Dates🔢 needs fewer arguments than NOW
⚙ performs better than NOW
DAY
Known for Day Extraction🔢 needs fewer arguments than NOW
⚙ performs better than NOW
🛠 is more reliable than NOW
WEEKNUM
Known for Week Number Calculation🔢 needs fewer arguments than NOW
⚙ performs better than NOW
MONTH
Known for Month Extraction🔢 needs fewer arguments than NOW
⚙ performs better than NOW
🛠 is more reliable than NOW
ROW
Known for Row Number Retrieval⚙ performs better than NOW
🛠 is more reliable than NOW
⭐ is rated higher than NOW
NETWORKDAYS
Known for Calculate Working Days🔢 needs fewer arguments than NOW
📈 is more versatile than NOW
COLUMN
Known for Column Number Retrieval⚙ performs better than NOW
🛠 is more reliable than NOW
⭐ is rated higher than NOW
UPPER
Known for Converting Text To Uppercase🔢 needs fewer arguments than NOW
⚙ performs better than NOW