Distributing data across columns with Text to Columns in Excel

In Excel, you can take a cell and split its text across columns in a number of ways. The easiest of these is to use the Text to Columns command under the Data menu in Excel.

For example, if you have a cell that contain both first and last names, you can use the Text to Columns command to split the data in each cell across multiple columns using a delimiter, a special character that indicates at what point data should be split. In this example, we will use a space as the delimiter.

To split text in a cell across columns:

1. Select the cells you wish to affect.


2. In the Datamenu, click Text to Columns.


3. In the Wizard, select Delimiter, then click Next.


4. In the Delimiters area, check Space, then click Finish.

Before Text to Columns

After Text to Columns

Note: In this example, a new Column C was inserted prior to beginning the steps to split the cell data. The result of using the Text to Columns command is that the split data is saved into cells to the right of the original cell. If any preexisting data is in danger of being overwritten Excel warns you and gives you an opportunity to cancel.