Syntax
=PROPER(text_to_capitalize)
text_to_capitalize- The text to convert.
PROPER function in Google Sheets
PROPER capitalises the first letter of each word and lowercases the rest. It's the quick fix for names typed in all caps or all lowercase.
Practice PROPER
Task 1 of 1
Fix the capitalization of the name in A2 so each word starts with a capital letter. Answer in B2.
Tip: while typing a formula, click a cell or drag across cells to insert references. Press Enter to check, and Tab to accept a function suggestion.
PROPER examples
Each example below runs against this sample sheet. The results are calculated by the same engine as the practice grid.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw name | SKU | Note |
| 2 | maya PATEL | ELC-0427-NY | Refund requested |
| 3 | leo rossi | FUR-1180-TX | Shipped |
| 4 | AVA KIM | OFC-0093-CA | Refund issued |
| Formula | Result | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
=PROPER(A3) | Leo Rossi | lowercase → Title Case. |
=PROPER(A4) | Ava Kim | ALL CAPS → Title Case. |
=PROPER(TRIM(A2)) | Maya Patel | Fix spacing and capitals together. |
Tips and common mistakes
- PROPER capitalises after any non-letter, so "o'neil" becomes "O'Neil", but "McDONALD" becomes "Mcdonald". Check surnames by eye.
Related functions
Learning step by step? PROPER is covered in Lesson 24: UPPER, LOWER & PROPER of the free course.