Split data quickly in Excel

Often in an Excel table values are combined in a single cell, such as "red, green, blue". It can be frustrating when you need these values in separate columns. But don't worry! Excel offers a simple solution to do exactly that. In this guide, you will learn how to effectively use the "TEXTTO" function to quickly and easily split data.

Key Takeaways

• The "TEXTTO" function is ideal for splitting values from a cell into multiple columns.
• You can use different delimiters depending on the data structure.
• This method saves time and avoids manual interventions.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Data

Before applying the function, make sure your data is in an Excel table. You should have a column with the values you want to split. In our example, we assume the values are in the first column.

Step 2: Select "TEXTTO" Function

Click in the cell where the split data will appear. Then start entering the function. Type "=TEXTTO(" to activate the function.

Step 3: Select Cell

Now you need to select the cell from which the data will be split. Place a semicolon to separate the next input. This is the cell that contains the values you want to split.

Step 4: Specify Delimiter

Now comes the crucial part! You need to specify how the values are separated. If the values in your cell are separated by commas, enter "," as the last argument. Enter the delimiters in quotation marks. In our example, we use a comma to separate the values.

Step 5: Check Results

Press the Enter key to complete the function. You will see that the values have been automatically split into the adjacent columns. Check if the values have been correctly taken over.

Step 6: Use Alternative Delimiters

If your data is structured with a different delimiter, such as a semicolon or a space, you need to adjust the last step. For a semicolon, enter ";" as the delimiter and for a space simply " " (a space in quotation marks). In my example, I would have to use a space instead of a semicolon, as "red green blue" was separated by spaces.

Summary

With the "TEXTTO" function in Excel, you can quickly and easily split data from a cell. It is important to specify the correct delimiters and ensure that the data is well-structured. By following these steps, you will save time and simplify working with large amounts of data.