---
title: LEN
description: Learn how to use the LEN function to calculate the number of characters in text strings, validate input, and analyze column data with practical examples.
---
import { Steps } from '@astrojs/starlight/components';

# LEN

The LEN function returns a number of characters in a text string.

## Applicable to

Calculated Columns

## Return Value

* The LEN function return integer value representing the number of characters in the input text string.
* If the input is NULL or BLANK, the function returns NULL.

## Remark

* The LEN function is often used to determine the length of a text string, which can be useful for various purposes such as validating input, manipulating strings, or formatting output.
* LEN function is applicable only for text values.

## Syntax

```
LEN(<expression>)
```

## LEN in Calculated Columns



| Expression | A placeholder in a function that is replaced with the actual column name. |
|---|---|---|
| Column Name | The name of the column in the dataset or Datasource that contains the values you want to analyze. |

Steps to Use LEN Function

<Steps>
1. Write the LEN function. For instance ```LEN(<expression>)```
2. Replace `<expression>` with `VALUE([Column Name]).`
3. Replace the **Column Name** with the actual name of your column required.
4. To learn how to add calculated columns in Infoveave, visit the section [Calculated Columns](/studio-v8/datasources/calculated-columns-datasource/).
</Steps>

<div class="elementor-alert" role="alert">
<span class="elementor-alert-title">Example</span>
<span class="elementor-alert-description"><strong>Objective </strong> Consider that you have the below sales dataset, your goal is to find the length of the CUSTOMER ID to verify the number of characters.</span>
</div>


| ORDER DATE | CUSTOMER ID | CATEGORY | UNIT PRICE | MARKET PRICE | QUANTITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-01-03 | CUSTID124 | Baby Food | 38.41 | 43.7874 | 2 |
| 2024-01-07 | CUSTID182 | Spices | 45.56 | 50.8155 | 20 |
|  | CUSTID1285 |  |  | 43.7874 | 10 |
| 2024-01-18 |  |  |  | 32.3019 | 4 |
| 2024-01-22 | CUSTID8527 | Cosmetics | 28.335 | 23.0109 | 7 |
| 2024-01-26 | CUSTID5288 |  | 20.185 | 23.0109 | 9 |
| 2024-01-04 | CUSTID1245 | Cereal | 25.26 | 28.7964 | 9 |
| 2024-01-09 | CUSTID2525 | Cereal | 44.575 | 50.8155 | 8 |
| 2024-01-14 | CUSTID2325 | Snacks | 20.185 |  | 4 |
|  | CUSTID262 | Cosmetics | 40.485 | 46.1529 | 2 |

You can use the LEN function like

```LEN(VALUE([CUSTOMER ID]))```

The new calculated column " Text " will return 

| ORDER DATE | CUSTOMER ID | CATEGORY | UNIT PRICE | MARKET PRICE | QUANTITY | TEXT LENGTH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03-01-2024 | CUSTID124 | Baby Food | 38.41 | 43.7874 | 2 | 9 |
| 07-01-2024 | CUSTID182 | Spices | 45.56 | 50.8155 | 20 | 9 |
|  | CUSTID1285 |  |  | 43.7874 | 10 | 10 |
| 18-01-2024 |  |  |  | 32.3019 | 4 |  |
| 22-01-2024 | CUSTID8527 | Cosmetics | 28.335 | 23.0109 | 7 | 10 |
| 26-01-2024 | CUSTID5288 |  | 20.185 | 23.0109 | 9 | 10 |
| 04-01-2024 | CUSTID1245 | Cereal | 25.26 | 28.7964 | 9 | 10 |
| 09-01-2024 | CUSTID2525 | Cereal | 44.575 | 50.8155 | 8 | 10 |
| 14-01-2024 | CUSTID2325 | Snacks | 20.185 |  | 4 | 10 |
|  | CUSTID262 | Cosmetics | 40.485 | 46.1529 | 2 | 9 |
```