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Initials

This calculated column uses a SharePoint formula to build two-letter initials from a first and last name. Because it lives in a calculated column, SharePoint fills the value in for every item automatically - no custom development and nothing for your users to type.
Built with
Features
Calculated Column, Single Line of Text Column
Category
Formulas

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How It Works

  • What it does: Builds two-letter initials from First Name and Last Name.
  • What you get: Two letters – Jane Smith shows JS.
  • If a value is missing: If a name is blank, you get a single initial instead of two.

Common Use Cases

  • Compact avatars or badges
  • Short labels in tight views
  • Initials for card layouts
  • Quick identifiers

Details

  • Formula Type: Calculated Column
  • Formula Category: Text & Names

Required Columns

Display nameColumn type
First NameSingle line of text
Last NameSingle line of text
InitialsCalculated

Prerequisites

  1. Create the columns the formula reads: First Name and Last Name
  2. Add or edit a few items so there is data for the formula to work with

How to Apply the Formula

  1. Add a column, choose More…, then select Calculated (calculation based on other columns)
  2. Set the data type returned from this formula to Single line of text
  3. Paste the formula below into the Formula box
  4. Click OK to create the column

Formula

=LEFT([First Name],1)&LEFT([Last Name],1)

Common Questions About Initials Formula

What does this formula do?

Two-letter initials. It lives in a calculated column, so SharePoint fills the value in automatically for every item.

Which columns do I need to set this up?

You need: First Name (Single line of text), Last Name (Single line of text). The formula reads these to produce its result.

Can I change the formula for my own columns?

Yes. Swap the column names in brackets for your own, and adjust any numbers or text.

If LookBook 365 is code-free and out-of-the-box, why does this example use a formula?

A SharePoint formula is native, declarative configuration, not custom development. It only works with the item’s own fields and simple logic – it cannot run scripts, reach external services, or change other data, and nothing is deployed to your tenant. It keeps working through Microsoft updates. If you would rather not set this up yourself, this is exactly the kind of thing I configure for clients.

Initials Formula Example
Initials Formula Example