> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cascade.io/cascade/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cascade.io/cascade/functions-and-expressions/functions/text/left.md).

# LEFT

LEFT( `text`, `number of characters` )

Returns a substring of the given `text`, counting a given number of characters from the left.

### Arguments

| Input                  | Description                    |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| `text`                 | Starting string                |
| `number of characters` | Number of characters to return |

### Output

Outputs substring of `text`

### Example

```
LEFT( "Missoula", 2)
>> "Mi"
```