MENU
    How do I split one Excel column into multiple columns?
    • 02 Feb 2023
    • Contributors
    • Dark
    • PDF

    How do I split one Excel column into multiple columns?

    • Dark
    • PDF

    Article summary

    You can use the Text to Columns feature in Excel to split one column into multiple.

    Answer:
    The Text to Columns feature in Excel allows you to split one Excel column into multiple columns.  The splitting can be based on the location or on a field delimiter.  If you have a column with "Mary Smith", you can split it on a delimiter of a space.  If you have "00DPUadam", and you want to split out the Fund Id of adam, you would base the split on the location of the text - in this case between the 5th and 6th characters.  Hopefully one of the two methods will allow your column to be split appropriately.
    • In Excel this option is located under Data. 
    • Highlight your field then click the option and choose Delimited if you will base the split on a delimiter (e.g. a space) or choose Fixed Width if you will based the split on the location of the text. 
    • On the next screen either choose the Delimiter (typically a space or comma), or if you picked Fixed Width, move the vertical bars around to split the column where you want it. 
    • Click to add additional breaks. 
    • When you are satisfied with the split, click Next, and then click Finish.
    Some other uses for this utility are:
    • Splitting the dollar value from the "-" sign in a Trial Balance Report
    • Parsing the Fund Id from the full GL Account Key if working with a Journal History Report
    • Separating the Fund codes from the Fund ID in the Fund Balance Report
    • Parsing a name into the name parts
    • Splitting an address into separate elements

    Was this article helpful?