If you're looking to organize your data and make it easier to read, splitting cells in Excel is the way to go! Splitting cells allows you to separate one cell into multiple cells - perfect for separating first and last names, addresses, or any other information where each value needs its column.
This article will teach you how to split cells in Excel for an organized and accessible dataset. Get ready to say goodbye to messy spreadsheets forever!
What are Split Cells in Excel?
Splitting cells in Excel is a handy and powerful tool. With this feature, you can divide the contents of one cell across two or more cells rather than a standard single cell.
You can split cells horizontally – where the new cells are on the right of the original cell – or vertically, creating new cells beneath it. With split cells, you don’t have words cut off mid-sentence—instead, split cells will get arranged in multiple adjacent cells in a compelling grid format.
Split cells in Excel allow a more organized look in your spreadsheet instead of unreadable and cluttered information. Split cells can also help keep long strings of words from spilling over into other columns and ruining their organization.
How to split cells in Excel with the use of Text to Columns Wizard
Splitting cells in Excel using the Text to Column Wizard is a great way to separate information within cells into multiple columns. This feature discovers where data should be divided and helps ensure accuracy when organizing your Excel worksheet.
It’s a powerful feature that can save you lots of time if you need to sort, organize, or analyze data from external sources.
Example:
Step 1. Select a column you want to split the cells within.
Step 2. Find the Text to Columns under the Data tab.
Step 3. A Convert Text to Columns Wizard opens. Select the Delimited option that best suits your data.
Step 4. In Convert Text to Columns Wizard Step 2 of 3, Choose "Space" as your Delimiter.
Step 5. In Convert Text to Columns Wizard Step 3 of 3, Type your preferred destination cell.
For example: "=$B$2", always remember that leave sufficient space when there are multiple delimiters in your data.
After you click "Finish," your selected cells have split into multiple cells using Text to Columns Wizard in Excel.
Note:Changing the names will not mirror the result column.
How to Split Cells in Excel Using Flash Fill
Split cells in Excel using flash fill is a powerful tool available to software users. When needed, long text entries can easily be divided into separate columns with this tool.
It automatically looks for patterns in data that have been input and uses those to divide any individual cell data into multiple columns quickly. Splitting cells in Excel will save time as it eliminates the need to split every piece of information manually.
Flash fill also ensures that no data is lost and all relevant information remains intact. Given this tool's usefulness, users of Excel should take advantage of it whenever possible.
Example 1:
Step 1. To use the Flash fill option, type the first name in the second column.
Step 2. Drag the fill handle to the last row of the data range.
Step 3. Click the Auto Fill Options.
Step 4. Select Flash Fill, and you will notice that it fills the first names of the first column in column b.
The same steps apply when you want to fill the third column using the Flash Fill Option.
Example 2:
Here's another easy way to use Flash Fill Option.
Step 1. Type the first name.
Step 2. Press CTRL + E to Flash Fill the column.
How to split cells in Excel using Text Functions
A split cell in Excel using text functions is a convenient search function that can help you quickly get the information you need from a text string. Excel functions such as the left, right, and mid functions allow you to search and sort through text strings quickly and easily.
For example, if you have a text string that contains a person’s full name and address, you can use the left function to select just the name portion of the string so that it separates nicely within its cell. Split cells are beneficial for search functions when organizing large data sets; leveraging Excel's text functions makes data extraction even easier.
Example:
Step 1. Figure out the type of split you want to insert into the data. For ease of demonstration, I have chosen an example in which a single space separates the first and last names.
Step 2. Construct a combination to acquire the first name from a given source of SEARCH and LEFT functions.
Type the formula: =LEFT(A2,SEARCH(” “,A2)-1)
Step 3. Select the cell and copy where you type your formula, then drag the cursor down to the last range of your data.
To extract the last names, you need to replicate the same process. However, use the RIGHT function to retrieve data from the tail-end of each string.
Step 1. Type the formula =RIGHT(A2,LEN(A2)-SEARCH(” “,A2)) in cell C2.
Step 2. Select the cell, copy where you type your formula, then drag the cursor down to the last range of your data.
Well done! You have successfully split the first and last names.
It is essential to highlight that the split is dynamic; in other words, when you modify the source data, your results are automatically adjusted.
How to Split Cells in Excel Using Power Query
Example:
Step 1. To begin, select a cell within your data set, then navigate to the ribbon and click Data (tab) > From Table/Range or Data(tab)>From Sheet for more recent versions of Excel.
Step 2. If the cell you picked isn't already part of an Excel table, then a Create Table window will pop up. Ensure that all rows and columns are joint in your selection, and ensure the "My table has headers" option is checked before clicking OK.
Step 3. Open the Power Query editor to reveal all your data, then navigate to Home > Split Column (drop-down) on the ribbon and select By Delimiter to get started.
Step 4. Multiple methods divide cell contents by various positions depending on the length of your text. In our example, both a space and each instance of the separating character make good selections. Click OK to complete.
Step 5. Now, in the data preview window, you can see that the names have got divided into two columns. To make it easier to identify them, double-click on the header and rename it from "First Name" and "Last Name," respectively.
Step 6. Now, it is time to export the data back into Excel. To do this, select Home > Close & Load (drop-down) followed by selecting "Close & Load To..."
Step 7. Select Table from the Import Data dialog box and choose where to load the information. In the example, I have selected an existing sheet at cell C1. Click OK.
The new Power Query data will be included in the Excel cells for easy viewing.
Note:
For new updates to our source cells or additional names, we can click Data > Refresh All, and the outcome will be new!
Following this process will transform your source cells into an Excel table.
Power Query can deliver with its Column from Examples feature if you require more advanced capabilities than simple delimiter-based splitting. Power Query allows sophisticated string manipulation and transformation in a few easy steps.
Conclusion
Now you have four methods to help you split cells in Excel. As you can see, each method has its advantages and purposes, so be sure to choose the one best suited to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are split cells in Excel?
Split cells in Excel are a handy feature for sorting and organizing data. With split cells, you can have text in one cell divided across two or more adjacent cells - all of which will be connected correctly to the original cell.
How do I split cells in Excel?
To do this, you must select the cell or cells you want to split and click on ‘Data’ on the menu toolbar. Here, you will find the option ‘Text to columns,’ which allows you to divide your text into separate cells based on specific criteria like a particular character or spacing.
What are some of the benefits of using split cells in Excel?
With split cells, rows and columns are divided into smaller sections to highlight the differences between values in a single cell. This feature allows users to categorize information better while keeping it organized in the same space.
Related Articles:
How to Merge Cells in Excel
How to Combine Cells in Excel
Free Microsoft Excel Tutorial For Beginners
FAQs
How do you split cells quickly in Excel? ›
Split cells
In the table, click the cell that you want to split. On the ribbon, select the Layout tab. Select Split Cells. In the Split Cells dialog, select the number of columns and rows that you want and then click OK.
- Click in a cell, or select multiple cells that you want to split.
- Under Table Tools, on the Layout tab, in the Merge group, click Split Cells.
- Enter the number of columns or rows that you want to split the selected cells into.
Divide Numbers With Paste Special
Select the cells which contain the amounts that you want to divide. In the screen shot below, cells C2:C11 are selected. In the Options section, click Divide, then click OK. Each of the selected numbers is automatically divided by 1000.
We can spit a cell with different parameters such as Space, Blank, Commas or any other criteria which breaks a cell into 2 or more cells. This can also be done using short cut keys ALT + A + E simultaneously once we select the data.
What is the formula to split cells on Excel? ›Enter the formula =RIGHT(A2,LEN(A2)-SEARCH(” “,A2)) in cell C2. Drag the formula to all the cells below. Drag the formula to all the cells below. Congratulations, you have successfully split the first and last names.
How many times should you split cells? ›Set up a routine to split cells
Twice a week often works for most fast-growing cell lines (such as HEK293, which multiplies every 16 hours). So if you, for example, split cells on a Monday diluting them 1:10, you should be able to split on the following Thursday, or, at the latest on Friday.
- In Sheets, select the column that contains the data that you want to split.
- Click Data. Split text to columns.
- If you want Sheets to detect when a file is formatted using fixed-width, select Detect automatically.
- To divide a number by 1000, move all of its digits 3 place value columns to the right.
- In this example we have 604 ÷ 1000.
- The '6' in the hundreds column moves to the tenths column, immediately after the decimal point.
When you divide a decimal by 10, 100 and 1000, the place value of the digits decreases. The digits move to the right since the number gets smaller, but remember, the decimal point does not move.
What is a thousands separator in Excel? ›Note: By default, Excel uses the comma as the system separator for thousands.
What does =$ D $44 mean? ›
What does =$ D $44 mean in Excel? $D$21:$D$44 is the column of numbers to add, the amount column. $B$21:$B$44 is the first criteria range, the region column. B10 is the first criteria value, the region. $C$21:$C$44 is the second criteria range, the department column.
Which of these will you use to separate data into multiple columns instantly? ›Click the “Data” tab at the top of the Excel Ribbon. Click the “Text to Columns” button in the Data Tools section. In the Convert Text to Columns Wizard, select “Delimited” and then click “Next.” Delimited works great in our example, as the names are separated by commas.
How do I split one column into multiple columns in Excel without delimiter? ›- Simply select the text or range (one column at a time)
- Go to "Data" ribbon.
- Choose "Text to Columns"
- Under "Original Data Type" choose "Fixed Width"
- Click on "Next"
- Click on the scale available in "Data Preview" to set the break line position.
- Click on "Next"
The creation of new smaller cells increases the capacity of the system as a whole. Cell Splitting increases the frequency reuse factor. A higher frequency reuse factor increases the capacity of the cellular system in Cell Splitting. Increases the capacity of the channel considerably.
How long does it take to split a cell? ›A typical eukaryotic cell cycle is illustrated by human cells in culture, which divide approximately every 24 hours.
What is importance of cell splitting? ›It is important for cells to divide so you can grow and so your cuts heal. It is also important for cells to stop dividing at the right time. If a cell can not stop dividing when it is supposed to stop, this can lead to a disease called cancer. Some cells, like skin cells, are constantly dividing.
How do I split one cell into multiple rows in sheets? ›- Select cells with the text you want to split. ...
- Click once and you'll see a red line before the characters that will be taken to a new column/row. ...
- Once the positions are set, choose whether to split into rows or columns from the drop-down at the bottom:
please pick the range that you want to do so. Using Home > Worksheet > Split Data to apply the utility. Please choose Fixed rows and enter the desired number of rows in the box provided in the Split Date into Multiple Worksheets dialogue box.
How do I separate text in sheets? ›- On your computer, open a spreadsheet in Google Sheets. ...
- At the top, click Data. ...
- To change which character Sheets uses to split the data, next to "Separator" click the dropdown menu.
- To fix how your columns spread out after you split your text, click the menu next to "Separator"
- In a blank cell somewhere, enter the value 1000.
- Select the cell and press Ctrl+C. ...
- Select the cells that you want to divide by 1,000.
- On the Home tab of the ribbon, click the down-arrow under the Paste tool. ...
- Choose the Paste Special option.
How do you split 1000 into three ways? ›
...
You can write the answer to 1,000 divided by 3 three different ways:
- 333 remainder 1 (333 R. ...
- 333.333333...
- 333 1/3.
Dividing by 10. Similar to the trick with dividing by five, if a number ends in a zero, then it's divisible by 10. As a bonus, the answer dividers are looking for will exist in the number already in the hundreds, tens, and ones place. For instance, 250 divided by 10 is 25.
How do I teach myself to divide by 100? ›Teaching point 4: To divide a multiple of 100 by 100, remove the final two zero digits (in the tens and ones places) from that number.
How do you divide by 10 easily? ›- When you divide by 1 the answer stays the same. 21 ÷ 1 = 21.
- When you divide by 10, move all the digits one place to the right. 210 ÷ 10 = 21.
- When you divide by 100, move all the digits two places to the right. 2100 ÷ 100 = 21.
- Select the cell you'd like to format. ( A1 in the example)
- Click the ribbon Home, right-click on the cell, then expand the default to show “Format Cells” dialog.
- In the Format Cells dialog box, on the Number tab, select Custom, then enter #,, “Million” where it says General.
Summary. Excel's new LET function allows you to simplify calculations in Excel by declaring variables within a formula. Once you establish such a variable, you can use it repeatedly in the same expression to ease the process of creating complex calculations.
How do I convert 1000 to 1k in Excel? ›STEP 1: Select Column D in the data below. STEP 2: Right-Click and then Select Format Cells. STEP 3: In the Format Cells dialog box, Under Number Tab select Custom. STEP 4: In the Type section, type format – 0.0, “K” and click OK.
How do I separate text in Excel? ›- Select the cell or column that contains the text you want to split.
- Select Data > Text to Columns.
- In the Convert Text to Columns Wizard, select Delimited > Next.
- Select the Delimiters for your data. ...
- Select Next.
- Select the Destination in your worksheet which is where you want the split data to appear.
Click File > Options. On the Advanced tab, under Editing options, clear the Use system separators check box. Type new separators in the Decimal separator and Thousands separator boxes. Tip: When you want to use the system separators again, select the Use system separators check box.
How do you use comma separators in Excel? ›Select the entire column or the range where to apply comma style and then press the Alt + H + K keys and you will get your selected range applied with comma separators.
What is $$ in Excel? ›
In an absolute reference, each part of the reference (the letter that refers to the row and the number that refers to the column) is preceded by a “$” – for example, $A$1 is an absolute reference to cell A1. Wherever the formula is copied or moved, it always refers to cell A1.
What does B :$ B mean in Excel? ›$B$6 is called an absolute reference. It usually does not change when you copy the formula. However, it might change when you delete columns to the left and rows above. There are also so-called mixed references, e.g. B$6 and $B6.
What does '!' Mean in Excel formula? ›Excel allows you to refer to any cell on any worksheet, which can be especially helpful if you want to reference a specific value from one worksheet to another. To do this, you'll simply need to begin the cell reference with the worksheet name followed by an exclamation point (!).
How do I combine multiple cells into one cell with line break? ›- Select the cell where you want to put the combined data.
- Type =CONCAT(.
- Select the cell you want to combine first. Use commas to separate the cells you are combining and use quotation marks to add spaces, commas, or other text.
- Close the formula with a parenthesis and press Enter.
On the keyboard, press Ctrl + J to enter the line break character -- NOTE: Nothing will appear in the Find What box. Press the Tab key on the keyboard, to move to the Replace With box.
How do you split cells in a lab? ›- Warm PBS and Media in water bath.
- Aspirate the plate media.
- Wash cells once with 10 mL (per 10 cm dish) PBS -/- then aspirate the PBS.
- Add 1 mL trypsin and allow to sit in the hood for 2-5 min.
- Add 10 mL media to each new dish.
- Check cells for trypsinization, and if necessary tap the cells.
There are two types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Most of the time when people refer to “cell division,” they mean mitosis, the process of making new body cells. Meiosis is the type of cell division that creates egg and sperm cells.
Is there a quick way to merge cells? ›Merge cells
Click the first cell and press Shift while you click the last cell in the range you want to merge. Important: Make sure only one of the cells in the range has data. Click Home > Merge & Center.
Use CONCATENATE, one of the text functions, to join two or more text strings into one string. Important: In Excel 2016, Excel Mobile, and Excel for the web, this function has been replaced with the CONCAT function.
What is the difference between concat and CONCATENATE? ›CONCAT can join only two things while CONCATENATE can join two or more things.
What is Ctrl T in Excel? ›
Ctrl+T in Excel and other spreadsheet programs
In Microsoft Excel, pressing Ctrl + T opens the Create Table dialog box. However, if you're working in a cell, it toggles the formula reference type between absolute, relative, and mixed.
Use the Fill Down command to copy the contents and format of the topmost cell of a selected range into the cells below. Ctrl+D. Apply the General number format.
What does Ctrl R mean in Excel? ›Ctrl+R in Excel and other spreadsheet programs
In Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet programs, pressing Ctrl + R fills the row cell(s) to the right with the contents of the selected cell. To fill more than one cell, select the source cell and press Ctrl + Shift + Right arrow to select additional ones.
- Prophase: chromosome condensation, break-down of nuclear envelope.
- Metaphase: chromosomes aligned at metaphase plate.
- Anaphase: sister chromatids pulled to each end of the cell.
- Telophase: nuclear envelope forms again.
Subculturing, also referred to as passaging cells, is the removal of the medium and transfer of cells from a previous culture into fresh growth medium, a procedure that enables the further propagation of the cell line or cell strain.
What is split cell with example? ›Splitting Cells in Excel refers to dividing its content into two or more separate cells. Splitting cells is often required when large datasets are imported in excel from external sources. In such cases, there is a need to create separate columns for similar data values.
What are the 3 types of cell division? ›- Mitosis: The process cells use to make exact replicas of themselves. ...
- Meiosis: In this type of cell division, sperm or egg cells are produced instead of identical daughter cells as in mitosis.
- Binary Fission: Single-celled organisms like bacteria replicate themselves for reproduction.
The correct answer is Spilt cells. Click the table cell that you want to split. To divide a cell vertically, in the Number of columns box, enter the number of new cells that you want.
Is merging cells is the same as splitting cells? ›Splitting cells is similar to adding a row or column, but it all takes place in one cell instead of a group of cells. Merging cells, however, is similar to deleting a cell and then adjoining it with a neighboring cell.