What Is RIGHT Function In Google Sheets?
RIGHT function in Google sheets, as the name suggests, gives the values in the data from the right side. It is a default function available in Excel and Google sheets.
Using Google sheets RIGHT function, we can extract characters from the data string. The function requires two arguments and can be used to extract not just text, but also numeric values and special characters. For example, consider the below table showing data and result in columns A and B, respectively.

Now, we need to extract the last 3 characters using the RIGHT function. To begin with, select cell B2 and insert the RIGHT function formula with the arguments. So, the complete formula is =RIGHT(A2,3). Next, press Enter key. We will be able to see the result in cell B2, as shown in the below image.

In this article, let us learn how to use the RIGHT function to extract the characters.
Key Takeaways
- RIGHT function in Google sheets enables users extract the data from the right end of the string.
- The syntax of RIGHT function is =RIGHT(string,[number_of_characters] where both the arguments are mandatory.
- The string shows the cell value with the data and the number of characters shows the number of digits we want to extract from the data.
- Remember, using RIGHT function in Google sheets, we can extract not just numeric data but also non-numeric values but also punctuations and special characters.
RIGHT() Google Sheets Formula

The formula or syntax of RIGHT function is =RIGHT(string,[number_of_characters])
where
- String shows the cell reference containing the data
- Number of characters shows the number of digits we want to extract from the data
Both the arguments are mandatory to extract values from the right.
How To Use RIGHT Function In Google Sheets?
We can use the RIGHT function in two methods.
They are:
- Selecting the formula with Insert tab
- Manually type the formula
Method #1: Selecting The Formula With Insert Tab
Step 1: To begin with, we need to insert the data in the spreadsheet. Next, select the cell where we want to find the result.
Step 2: Next, click on the Insert tab and select Function. Then, select Text from the list of options and click on RIGHT function formula.

We can then choose the arguments to find the result.
Method #2: Manually type the formula
Step 1: To begin with, we need to insert the data in the spreadsheet. Next, select the cell where we want to find the result.
Step 2: Type =RIGHT or =R and select RIGHT in the pop-up option.

Now, we can choose the arguments to find the result.
Examples
Let us learn how to use RIGHT function with detailed examples.
Example #1 – Extract Specific Characters From A String
For example, consider the below table showing data and result in columns A and B, respectively.

Now, we need to extract the last 1 special character using the RIGHT function.
The steps are:
Step 1: To begin with, we need to insert the data in the Google sheets. In this example, the data is available in the cell range A1:B5. Next, we need to select the cell where we want to find the result. So, in this example, we need to select cell B2.
Step 2: Next, insert the RIGHT function formula.

So, the complete formula is =RIGHT(A2,1).

Step 3: Next, press Enter key.
We will be able to see the result in cell B2, as shown in the below image.

Now, we need to use the AutoFill option to find the result in the cell range B3:B5, as shown in the below image.

Likewise, we can use RIGHT function to extract specific characters from a string from right side.
Example #2 – Extract The Last Two Digits Of A Year
For example, consider the below table showing data and result in columns A and B, respectively.

Now, we need to extract the last two digits of a year using the RIGHT function.
The steps are:
Step 1: To begin with, we need to insert the data in the Google sheets. In this example, the data is available in the cell range A1:B5. Next, we need to select the cell where we want to find the result. So, in this example, we need to select cell B2.
Step 2: Next, insert the RIGHT function formula.

So, the complete formula is =RIGHT(A2,1).

Step 3: Next, press Enter key.
We will be able to see the result in cell B2, as shown in the below image.

Now, we need to use the AutoFill option to find the result in the cell range B3:B5, as shown in the below image.

Likewise, we can use RIGHT function to extract the last two digits of a year from right side.
Example #3 – Extract The Last Few Digits Of ID Numbers
For example, consider the below table showing data and result in columns A and B, respectively.

Now, we need to extract the last few digits of ID numbers using the RIGHT function.
The steps are:
Step 1: To begin with, we need to insert the data in the Google sheets. In this example, the data is available in the cell range A1:B5. Next, we need to select the cell where we want to find the result. So, in this example, we need to select cell B2.
Step 2: Next, insert the RIGHT function formula.

So, the complete formula is =RIGHT(A2,1).

Step 3: Next, press Enter key.
We will be able to see the result in cell B2, as shown in the below image.

Now, we need to use the AutoFill option to find the result in the cell range B3:B5, as shown in the below image.

Likewise, we can use RIGHT function in Google sheets to extract the last few digits of ID numbers from right side.
Example #4 – Extract The File Extension From A Filename
For example, consider the below table showing data and result in columns A and B, respectively.

Now, we need to extract the file extension from a filename using the RIGHT function in Google sheets.
The steps are:
Step 1: To begin with, we need to insert the data in the Google sheets. In this example, the data is available in the cell range A1:B5. Next, we need to select the cell where we want to find the result. So, in this example, we need to select cell B2.
Step 2: Next, insert the RIGHT function formula in Google sheets.

So, the complete formula is =RIGHT(A2,1).

Step 3: Next, press Enter key.
We will be able to see the result in cell B2, as shown in the below image.

Now, we need to use the AutoFill option to find the result in the cell range B3:B5, as shown in the below image.

Likewise, we can use RIGHT function in Google sheets to extract the file extension from a filename from right side.
Important Things To Note
- RIGHT Google sheets function extracts the data from the right side of the string.
- One of the reasons why RIGHT function wont work is because of the trailing spaces in the original data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For example, consider the below table showing data and result in columns A and B, respectively.
Now, we need to extract the last 1 special character using the RIGHT function in Google sheets.
The steps are:
Step 1: To begin with, we need to insert the data in the Google sheets. In this example, the data is available in the cell range A1:B2. Next, we need to select the cell where we want to find the result. So, in this example, we need to select cell B2.
Step 2: Next, insert the RIGHT function formula in Google sheets.
So, the complete formula is =RIGHT(A2,1).
Step 3: Next, press Enter key.
We will be able to see the result in cell B2, as shown in the below image.
Likewise, we can use RIGHT function in Google sheets to extract specific characters from a string from right side.
The RIGHT function in Google sheets helps users extract the string from the right end of the data string. But Google sheets RIGHTB function finds the data from the end of a specified string.
RIGHT Google sheets function extracts the data from the right side. But to extract string from the left side of the data string, we need to use the LEFT Google sheets function formula.
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This article must help understand RIGHT Function In Google Sheets with its formula and examples. You can download the template here to use it instantly.
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