Excel like a finance pro.
← The libraryPractice · 2 questions →
Text function
MIDB
Returns bytes from the middle of a text string, for double-byte languages.
Rarely usedDifficulty 1200 · ProficientUsage rank #267 of 520
When to use it
MID in bytes.
The shape of it
- Syntax
=MIDB(text, start_num, num_bytes)
Worked examples
Double-byte
=MIDB("東京都",3,2) → 京
Bytes 3 and 4.
Single-byte
=MIDB("abcdef",2,3) → bcd
Like MID for single-byte text.
Four bytes
=MIDB("東京都",1,4) → 東京
The first four bytes.
Worth knowing
- Use MID unless bytes matter.
- Combine with FINDB.
- Odd positions split characters.
Where it goes wrong
- Like MID on non-DBCS systems.
- Non-portable.
Related
Learn the moves here — or let Wauvel run them on your numbers.
Meet your AI CFO →One CFO-grade Excel tip a week
A short, practical email for finance operators — functions, shortcuts, and the moves that save an afternoon. Free, unsubscribe anytime.