Excel's Text to Columns: Name List as Example

[Admin]

Microsoft Excel's Text to Columns is a powerful feature that can split texts into multiple columns. You find it under Data > Data Tools > Text to Columns . With the keyboard shortcut ALT + A + E you can also access this feature.




In the following example, I will separate the list into first name, middle name and last name. It's a three step procedure.


First, select your data set (A2:A9).





Under Data tab > from the Data Tools group click Text to Columns. This will open the Convert Text to Columns Wizard. Look, every wizard has a Data preview window to see how your data is taking new shape


Step 1: select Delimited > click on Next. By default Delimited is always selected.





Step 2: select Comma and Space as your Delimeters. You will see an immediate change in the Data preview window below. Click Next.





Step 3: select cell B2 as your Destination > click Finish.





Your results are now displayed in cell B2.







*Short note: What are delimiters?

Delimiters are characters like commas ( , ), semicolon ( ; ), slashes ( / ) or special signs like @ that separate each field in your data. In this example Comma and Space are your delimiters.

So, have fun my friends