How to Use SUBSTITUTE and REPLACE
Last updated: 2026-09-06
⚡ Quick Answer
SUBSTITUTE replaces existing text with new text in a string, while REPLACE targets specific character positions.
=SUBSTITUTE(A2, "old_val", "new_val")📊 Visual Demo
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fx =SUBSTITUTE(A2, "old_val", "new_val")
| A | B | C | D | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Item_A_Old | "Old" | =SUBSTITUTE(A2, "Old", "New") | Item_A_New |
| 2 | 2 | 123-456-789 | Hyphen Swap | SUBSTITUTE | Cleaned Format |
| 3 | 3 | Database | Sanitized | Verified | Ready |
🧠 Deep Dive
SUBSTITUTE replaces existing text with new text in a string, while REPLACE targets specific character positions.
Key Insights
- Text functions are position-based (LEFT, RIGHT, MID).
- FIND is case-sensitive, SEARCH is not.
Common Mistakes
- Hard-coding character positions on variable data.
Pro Tips
- Parse once into helper columns.
- Test on longest/shortest strings.
FAQ
What does this formula do in plain English?
SUBSTITUTE replaces existing text with new text in a string, while REPLACE targets specific character positions.
Why is my formula not working?
Hard-coding character positions on variable data.
Does this work in Google Sheets?
Yes, this syntax is fully compatible with Google Sheets.
What is the most common mistake?
Hard-coding character positions on variable data.
Related Guides
How to Use TEXTJOIN in ExcelHow to Use LEFT, RIGHT, and MIDHow to Format Text Case in ExcelHow to Use the EXACT FunctionExcel Error Hub
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