How to Split Text into Columns in Google Sheets

We use spreadsheet tools such as Google Sheets to analyze, organize and organize different types of data. There are multiple features and commands you can use in Google Sheets. However, one of the common features people use is to split the text into columns.

It is useful when you are working with a large list of data and you want to separate the information into two columns.

We’ll show you how to split data into columns using the split text into columns functionality in Google Sheets. Apparently, with its help, you can save time copying and pasting data into different columns.

Uses of the Divide Function

Let’s take a look at a few scenarios where dividing your data into two columns can be quite useful.

For example, in a spreadsheet with a large list of names, you might split them by name and second name in two different columns.

It also works when you want to separate letters and numeric values ​​from a list of invoices. Similarly, you can use the split function to extract the username and domain name from the list of email ids you are working with. You can be creative to use this function and let’s take a look at how to use it.

Steps to Use Split Text into Columns in Google Sheets

Now that you understand the different uses for the split text function in Google Sheets, let’s take a look at how you can use it. We will use examples to explain how this feature can be useful.

1. Split Name and Surname

The following steps will use the split function to help you separate the first and last name from the list of full names.

Stage 1: Open any web browser on your laptop and open Google Sheets.

Step 2: Upload the dataset of the full names you want to split into a spreadsheet in Google Sheets.

Stage 3: Select the entire column of data you want to split.

Step 4: Click on the Data tab from the Top Menu bar. Select Split text into columns from the drop-down list.

Step 5: A Separator dialog will appear where you need to select the Space option over the selected data.

Let’s say you have a list of names and they are comma separated. For example, Lord Kelvin. You must select the Comma option from the Separator dialog.

You can also leave the option in the Separator dialog box as Detect automatically.

Step 6: As soon as you click the space button, you will see full names separated into first and last name.

After that, you’ll have two lists of names separated in Google Sheets.

2. Split Domain from URL

Now let’s see how you can use the split function to separate the domain name from the URL.

Stage 1: Open Google Sheets in any web browser and load the dataset into the spreadsheet.

Step 2: Select the data column you want to split.

Stage 3: Go to the Top Menu bar and click on the Data tab. Click Split text into columns from the drop-down list of options.

Step 4: A Separator dialog will pop up on the selected data. You need to click on the Custom option in the Separator dialog.

Step 5: When you click the custom button, it will show you an empty input field. Here you have to enter / to separate the domain name from the URL.

Similarly, if you want to split the username and domain name from a list of email ids, you must enter @ in the Custom separator field.

Step 6: After you enter the / character in the special separator field, you will notice that the domain name will be separated from the URL.

This is a way to separate URLs from Domains or other information for easy reference later.

Split Data and Save Time

The examples mentioned above show how to easily split into text columns in Google Sheets. You can use splitting into text columns to avoid manually editing data.