Extracting 1 or 2 Digits From The Start of A String

[Ark68]

I have a string ... 12 : 07-Jun-18 - 20-Jun-18

I am looking for a vba solution to extract the whole number that starts the string. In this case, 12. If this number was always two digits, using left(string,2) would be a simple solution, but would not work for single digit numbers (1-9). The preceding number will never be more than 2 digits.

Is anyone able to provide a solution for me?

 

[jproffer]

Try this:

=--LEFT(D3,FIND(":",D3)-1)

 

[Ark68]

Yes ... thank you.
Exactly what I needed.

Out of curiosity, what function does the "--" provide?

 

[jproffer]

It forces the 12 to be a number rather than text. And also trims any excess spaces that might be left over from the LEFT function.

It's basically negative negative (###)...2 negatives is a positive.

You can also use "+0" or "*1" after you close out all of your functions...they all do the same thing...force a (possible) text to a number.

 

[Ark68]

I appreciate the explanation! It was difficult to phrase a Google search

 

[jproffer]

Glad to help