Function Problems

How to Extract Text Between Parentheses in a SharePoint Column

Emma Brown Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs a calculated-column formula to isolate and extract a specific text string enclosed within parentheses from a SharePoint column.

How to Extract Text Between Parentheses in a SharePoint Column

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up a custom calculated column in a SharePoint list to parse data automatically from another text column.
Observed behavior: The user wants to output only the text found inside parentheses, for example extracting '20-02-2022' from a Title value like 'Sample (20-02-2022) General'.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary site permissions to add or edit columns in your SharePoint list, and verify that the target text entries consistently contain both an opening and a closing parenthesis.

Solution 1Recommended

Use MID and FIND Functions in a Calculated Column

Create a calculated column utilizing the MID and FIND functions to accurately isolate and output the text located between parentheses.

This approach uses the FIND function to dynamically locate the exact positions of the opening and closing parentheses within the text string. The MID function then extracts the characters positioned directly between those two points. It is highly effective for standardized naming conventions.

Add a new column

Navigate to your SharePoint list, click on '+ Add column' at the top of your list view, and select 'More' to open the detailed column creation page.

Set column type to Calculated

Enter a name for your new column and select 'Calculated (calculation based on other columns)' from the list of column types.

Enter the extraction formula

In the Formula box, input the following formula: =MID(Title,FIND("(",Title)+1,FIND(")",Title)-FIND("(",Title)-1). Note: If the column you are referencing is not named 'Title', replace 'Title' with your actual column name.

Save the column configuration

Under 'The data type returned from this formula is', select 'Single line of text', then click 'OK' to save your changes and view the extracted results in your list.

Use MID and FIND Functions in a Calculated Column

Formula Assumption: This formula assumes that the targeted column always contains both an opening '(' and a closing ')' parenthesis. If either is missing, the formula will return an error for that specific list item.

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While SharePoint handles list calculations online, WPS Spreadsheet provides a powerful, free, and lightweight desktop alternative for applying text extraction formulas, sorting, and managing large datasets seamlessly.

1. Open your dataset in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office, open your spreadsheet file, and locate the column containing the text with parentheses.
2. Enter the formula: Select an adjacent blank cell and type the same formula: =MID(A2,FIND("(",A2)+1,FIND(")",A2)-FIND("(",A2)-1) (assuming your data is in cell A2).
3. Apply to all rows: Press Enter to extract the text, then click and drag the fill handle down to apply the extraction formula to all other rows in your dataset.

Free and lightweight office suite for comprehensive data analysis100% compatible with Microsoft Excel formulas, including MID, FIND, and complex text functionsUser-friendly interface for efficiently managing and processing extensive datasetsFast installation and seamless file format support for offline productivity

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a SharePoint list item doesn't contain parentheses?

If a list item lacks either an opening or a closing parenthesis, the FIND function will fail to locate the character, resulting in a '#VALUE!' error in your calculated column. To prevent this, you can wrap your formula in an IF and ISERROR function to output blank text when parentheses are missing.

Can I extract text between square brackets instead?

Yes. You can easily modify the formula to target different characters. Simply replace the "(" and ")" in the formula with "[" and "]" or any other delimiters you are using in your data.

Does this exact formula work in standard spreadsheet software?

Absolutely. The MID and FIND functions are standard text operations. The exact same logic and syntax will work perfectly in desktop applications like Microsoft Excel and WPS Spreadsheet for local data extraction.

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