Goal: Count the total characters in the cell.
LEN counts everything: letters, numbers, symbols, and Spaces.
Ready...
💻 Formula Structure
=LEN(text)
- 1. Text: The text string to count.
- Returns: A number representing the length.
-- Count characters in A1
=LEN( A1 )
⚠️ Common Pitfalls
🚫 Visual vs Actual
A cell might display $10.00 but actually contain 10.
LEN counts the value (2 chars: "1", "0"), not the format (6 chars).
🚫 Invisible Spaces
If LEN("A") returns 2, you likely have a trailing space ("A "). Always use TRIM if counts look wrong.