Extract Dewey Decimal Category
I need to extract the first 3 digits of the 'Call Number' to categorize books by subject.
=LEFT(B2,3) How it works: The LEFT function extracts a specified number of characters from the beginning of a text string. In this formula, `B2` refers to the cell containing the 'Call Number' (e.g., '813.52 FIT'), and `3` specifies that you want to extract the first three characters, which correspond to the main Dewey Decimal Category.
Data Setup
| Book Title | Call Number | Dewey Category |
|---|---|---|
| The Great Gatsby | 813.52 FIT | 813 |
| Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind | 909.82 HAR | 909 |
| Cosmos | 520 SAG | 520 |
| To Kill a Mockingbird | 813.52 LEE | 813 |
| Educated | 920 WESTOVER | 920 |
Step-by-Step Guide
Select the cell where you want the extracted Dewey Decimal Category to appear (e.g., C2).
Type the formula: `=LEFT(B2,3)`
Press Enter. The cell C2 will now display '813'.
Click on cell C2 again, then drag the fill handle (the small square at the bottom-right corner of the cell) down to apply the formula to the rest of your 'Call Number' data in column B.