Google Sheets beginner split text columns delimiter

How to Split Text into Columns in Google Sheets?

Split Text to Columns is a Google Sheets function that splits the text in a specified cell into separate columns based on a chosen delimiter.. Formula Genius generates and validates this formula automatically from a plain-English prompt.

Struggling with text in a single cell? Use the SPLIT function to separate it into multiple columns effortlessly.

The Formula

Prompt

"Split text in a cell by a delimiter (comma, space, dash) into separate columns using the SPLIT function in Google Sheets"

Google Sheets
=SPLIT(A1, ", ")

This formula splits the text in a specified cell into separate columns based on a chosen delimiter.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

  1. Identify the cell containing the text you want to split (e.g., A1).
  2. Choose the delimiter that separates the text (e.g., comma, space, dash).
  3. Use the SPLIT function to specify the cell and delimiter.
  4. The function will output the split text into adjacent columns.

Edge Cases & Warnings

  • The delimiter appears multiple times in a row, resulting in empty columns.
  • The text does not contain the specified delimiter, leading to no split.
  • Using a delimiter that is part of the text itself may cause unexpected results.
  • If the cell is empty, the function will return an empty cell.

Examples

Prompt

"apple,banana,cherry"

Google Sheets
apple | banana | cherry
Prompt

"one two three-four"

Google Sheets
one | two | three | four

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple delimiters?

No, the SPLIT function only accepts one delimiter at a time.

What happens if there are no delimiters?

The entire text will remain in the original cell without splitting.

Is it possible to split text into rows instead of columns?

No, the SPLIT function only outputs results in columns.

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