how to split cells in Microsoft Excel into columns

using delimiters or a fixed width method.

Use the clickable sections below to skip to each method.

To use this method,

you'll need to make sure that all the data

in your cells that you want to isolate

are separated by a delimiter.

This can be a comma, period,

dash, or a space.

We're separating a list of names on a guest list

using commas to separate first and last names.

First, click and drag

to select the cells you want to split.

Click on the data tab at the top,

and then "Text to Columns."

A pop-up window will appear.

From the two options, choose "Delimited,"

and then click "Next."

Click the check marks next to each delimiter

that Excel should use

to know when to separate the information in the cells.

In this case, we'll just click on "Comma."

Make sure this check mark is used

in case two delimiters are listed

one after another in the cells.

In this case, we have a comma followed by a space.

Click "Next" to continue.

Select if your data is text, a date, or anything else

by clicking "General" here.

Now you can choose where in the spreadsheet

you want your data to appear.

Type in the number at the top left cell

where you want your data to start here.

Leave it blank to overwrite your existing cells.

Click "Finish" to complete.

Using the fixed width method,

you can separate information

based on their position in the cells.

First, highlight the cells

with all the information that you want to split.

Go to the data tab at the top

and then click on "Text to Columns."

A pop-up window will appear.

Choose the option "Fixed width" here,

and then click on "Next."

All the data you've selected

will show in your data preview here.

Click somewhere on the data preview to create a break line.

Click and drag this line to a position

where you want to split.

You can add multiple break lines

to split the cell into more than two columns.

To delete a break line, double-click on it.

Click "Next" to continue.

Complete your formatting and choose where you want

the new information on your spreadsheet

by adding the new top left cell number here.

If you want the new columns to overwrite your data,

just leave this empty.

Click "Finish" to complete.