SUBSTITUTE

Replaces existing text with new text in a string.

Sample Usage

SUBSTITUTE("search for it","search for","Google")

SUBSTITUTE(A2,"new york","New York")

SUBSTITUTE("January 2, 2012",2,3,1)

Syntax

SUBSTITUTE(text_to_search, search_for, replace_with, [occurrence_number])

  • text_to_search - The text within which to search and replace.

  • search_for - The string to search for within text_to_search.

    • search_for will match parts of words as well as whole words; therefore a search for "vent" will also replace text within "eventual".
  • replace_with - The string that will replace search_for.

  • occurrence_number - [ OPTIONAL ] - The instance of search_for within text_to_search to replace with replace_with. By default, all occurrences of search_for are replaced; however, if occurrence_number is specified, only the indicated instance of search_for is replaced.

Notes

  • SUBSTITUTE can be used to replace one or all instances of a string within text_to_search. It cannot be used to replace multiple, but not all instances within a single call.
  • This function returns text as the output. If a number is desired, try using the VALUE function in conjunction with this function.

See Also

TEXT: Converts a number into text according to a specified format.

REPLACE: Replaces part of a text string with a different text string.

Examples

true
Visit the Learning Center

Using Google products, like Google Docs, at work or school? Try powerful tips, tutorials, and templates. Learn to work on Office files without installing Office, create dynamic project plans and team calendars, auto-organize your inbox, and more.

Search
Clear search
Close search
Google apps
Main menu
9168918088348193742
true
Search Help Center
true
true
true
true
true
35
false
false