Excel - PROPER Function



PROPER Function

The Excel PROPER function transforms the input text string into the title case. The letter in the starting index position of each word is capitalized, and the remaining letters are transformed into lowercase. It is quite the opposite of the UPPER and LOWER functions and is categorized under the list of Excel TEXT functions. The main issue with this PROPER function is that apostrophes, numbers, and date formatting also disappear while it is deployed.

Compatibility

This advanced Excel function is compatible with the following versions of MS-Excel −

  • Excel for Microsoft 365
  • Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac
  • Excel for the web
  • Excel 2024
  • Excel 2024 for Mac
  • Excel 2021
  • Excel 2021 for Mac
  • Excel 2019
  • Excel 2016
  • Excel 2013
  • Excel 2010
  • Excel 2007

Syntax

The syntax of the PROPER function is as follows −

PROPER (text)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the PROPER function −

Argument Description Required/ Optional
Text It can be a text string, cell reference, or a formula whose result in the text form is required for conversion into the title case. Required

Points To Remember

  • This function will not modify special symbols, numeric values, or punctuation. However, only the date and number formatting will disappear.
  • The PROPER function will always capitalize the character existing in the starting position of the provided string.
  • In the first argument, the text string must be enclosed in the double quote; otherwise, will the PROPER function return the #NAME?
  • If the input string contains the apostrophe, then the PROPER function will also transform the first character of every word and the character just after the apostrophe to the upper case.

Examples of PROPER Function

Practice the following examples to learn the utilization of the PROPER function in Excel.

Example 1: How to use the PROPER function in Excel for the Entire Column?

Solution

Step 1 − First, assume the sample dataset comprises two columns named "Text" and "Result". Then, you need to apply the PROPER function in the C column.

Use of PROPER function in Excel for Entire Column1

Step 2 − After that, select the range C3:C9 and write the formula =PROPER(B3) in the formula bar.

Use of PROPER function in Excel for Entire Column2

Step 3 − Furthermore, press the "ctrl+Enter" to populate the computed results in the range C3:C9.

Use of PROPER function in Excel for Entire Column3

Therefore, only the character in the first position is capitalized after executing the PROPER function in the selected range C2:C8 cells.

Example 2: Using the TRIM and PROPER function in Excel

Solution

In this example, we will combine the TRIM and PROPER functions to eliminate the leading space and capitalize the first character in the input string.

Using TRIM and PROPER function in Excel1

Select the C2 cell, write the formula =PROPER(TRIM(B2)), and hit the Enter tab.

Using TRIM and PROPER function in Excel2

Explanation: PROPER(TRIM(B2))

  • This formula defines the TRIM function inside the PROPER function. The TRIM(B2) removes the extraneous and leading spaces in the B2.
  • After successfully executing the TRIM function, the PROPER function PROPER("eliminating leading space") will populate the complete input string where only the first character of every word in the provided string is in upper case.
  • Therefore, the result is "Eliminating Leading Space".
Using TRIM and PROPER function in Excel3

Example 3

If the input string contains the apostrophe, then the PROPER function will also transform the first character of every word and the character just after the apostrophe to the upper case.

Solution

The given input string is specified in the B2 cell. Write the formula =PROPER(B2) in the C2 cell and press Enter.

PROPER Function Transform First Character1

PROPER Function Transform First Character2

You may use the two SUBSTITUTE functions with the PROPER function to resolve this uncommon issue. Select the cell C4 and write the formula =SUBSTITUTE(PROPER(SUBSTITUTE(B2,"'","a")),"a","'"). "The inner SUBSTITUTE function will replace the ' with "a" character in this expression. Then, the PROPER function will convert the B2 cell's value to the title case, and then the outer SUBSTITUTE function will again replace the character with the ' sign.

PROPER Function Transform First Character3

After that, hit the Enter tab to get the result.

PROPER Function Transform First Character4

Download Practice Sheet

You can download and use the sample data sheet to practice the PROPER function.

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