For advanced users who regularly perform the same L‑R formatting task on large workbooks, macros can automate the process. A macro can copy the format from a designated “template” column to the right with a single click or keyboard shortcut.
Speed Up Your Spreadsheet: Mastering the "L R" Copy and Format in Excel
=LEFT(A2, FIND("-", A2) - 1) This finds the position of the hyphen, subtracts 1 to exclude it, and extracts that exact number of characters from the left. l r copy format in excel
In the logistics and transport industry, an LR (Lorry Receipt)
When copying left-to-right, check that your vertical column dividers do not accidentally overwrite double-underlines used for accounting totals. For advanced users who regularly perform the same
Highlight the source cell or the entire column on the left that contains your desired formatting.
Quick, one-off horizontal formatting.
Relative vs. Absolute References