How to Split a Column of Data in MS Excel

There are occasions when you need to split a column of data into two or more columns. Here’s how to do it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• MS Excel

1. 
    

   Highlight the column you want to split. Click on the Data menu across the top of the screen and choose Text to Columns.

2. 
    

   A Wizard will appear to walk you through the split. In Wizard Step 1, you’ll need to choose how the spreadsheet will identify where the data needs to be separated. You can select for Excel to split the column based on a character called a delimiter or to split based on a fixed width. Make your choice and click the Next button to access Step 2.

3. 
    

   If you chose to split using a delimiter, you’ll select the specific character or enter your own character. If you chose to split the column based on a fixed width, you’ll use your mouse to drag the split line to the correct placement. Click the Next button to access Step 3.

4. 
    

   In Step 3 of the Wizard, you have the opportunity to format your new columns. You may choose to accept the formatting default and can always format the separated columns later. Highlight the first column and choose whether the data should be formatted as General, Text, or date. Highlight the remaining columns and do the same.

5. 
    

   Click the Finish button on Wizard Step 3 to complete the separation of your columns.