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REPT Function (LibreOffice Calc)

Text Beginner LibreOffice Calc LibreOffice 3.0

The REPT function in LibreOffice Calc repeats a text string a specified number of times. It is essential for padding, visualization, fixed-width formatting, and building lightweight text-based charts.

The **REPT** function repeats a text string a specified number of times in LibreOffice Calc. It is essential for padding, fixed-width formatting, lightweight visualization, and building text-based indicators for dashboards and reports.

This guide provides syntax, examples, edge cases, and best practices, making it one of the most complete REPT references available for LibreOffice Calc.

What the REPT Function Does

  • Repeats a text string N times
  • Useful for padding and alignment
  • Useful for bar charts and progress indicators
  • Works with text, numbers (converted to text), and formulas
  • Supports dynamic repetition counts

It is designed to be simple, flexible, and surprisingly powerful.

Syntax

REPT(text; number_times)

Arguments

  • text:
    The text string to repeat.

  • number_times:
    The number of repetitions (must be ≥ 0).

Basic Examples

Repeat a character 5 times

=REPT("*"; 5)

Returns "*****".

Repeat a word

=REPT("Hi "; 3)

Returns "Hi Hi Hi ".

Repeat a number (converted to text)

=REPT(7; 4)

Returns "7777".

Repeat a space for padding

=REPT(" "; 10)

Advanced Examples

Create a simple bar chart

=REPT("█"; A1)

Create a progress bar (0–100%)

=REPT("█"; A1/10)

(Assumes A1 is 0–100.)

Create a fixed-width padded label

=CONCAT(A1; REPT(" "; 20 - LEN(A1)))

Create a left-padded number

=CONCAT(REPT("0"; 5 - LEN(A1)); A1)

Create a rating indicator

=CONCAT(REPT("★"; A1); REPT("☆"; 5 - A1))

Create a visual heat bar

=REPT("▓"; ROUND(A1 * 10))

Create a dotted leader for tables

=CONCAT(A1; REPT(". "; 30 - LEN(A1)); B1)

Create indentation

=CONCAT(REPT(" "; B1); A1)

Create a histogram row

=REPT("|"; A1)

Create a bullet list with indentation

=CONCAT(REPT(" "; B1 * 2); "• "; A1)

Create a dynamic underline

=REPT("─"; LEN(A1))

Create a masked string

=REPT("*"; LEN(A1))

Edge Cases and Behavior Details

number_times < 0 → Err:502

=REPT("A"; -1)

number_times = 0 → returns empty string

=REPT("A"; 0) → ""

number_times is fractional → truncated

=REPT("A"; 3.9) → "AAA"

text is empty → returns empty string

=REPT(""); 10 → ""

text is a number → converted to text

=REPT(5; 3) → "555"

REPT of an error propagates the error

=REPT(#N/A; 3) → #N/A

Maximum output length

LibreOffice limits cell text length (~1M characters).
REPT may return Err:512 if exceeded.

REPT does not trim or clean text

Use TRIM or CLEAN if needed.

Common Errors and Fixes

Err:502 — Invalid argument

Occurs when:

  • number_times < 0
  • number_times is non-numeric
  • text is missing

REPT returns too many characters

Cause:

  • number_times too large
  • Unexpected LEN(text)

REPT returns nothing

Cause:

  • number_times = 0
  • text = ""

Best Practices

  • Use REPT for padding, alignment, and fixed-width formatting
  • Use REPT for lightweight bar charts and indicators
  • Combine with LEN for dynamic padding
  • Combine with CONCAT/TEXTJOIN for structured output
  • Use REPT with TRIM/CLEAN for clean visualization
  • Use REPT for masking and obfuscation
REPT is your text‑multiplier — perfect for padding, visualization, and building lightweight UI elements directly inside your spreadsheet.
  • Use CONCAT and TEXTJOIN for assembly
  • Use LEFT, RIGHT, MID for extraction
  • Use SUBSTITUTE and REPLACE for editing
  • Use LEN for dynamic repetition logic
  • Use TRIM and CLEAN for normalization

By mastering REPT and its companion functions, you can build expressive, structured, and visually rich text‑based workflows in LibreOffice Calc.

Reproducible example (tested in LibreOffice Calc)

This standalone example was calculated in LibreOffice Calc 25.2.3.2 and matched the expected value. It is a practical cross-check of one usage, not proof that every example elsewhere on this page is correct.

=REPT("-";4)

Expected result: ----.

Repeat a text fragment a specified number of times.

If the result differs, check the referenced cells, argument separators and number formatting. For more information, consult the LibreOffice Calc official help.