In this tutorial we will learn how to apply the split text to columns functionality in Google Sheets to different types of text. We will also have step-by-step examples using the most common types of data so you can see how it works. Enjoy reading!
The range should ideally be a single column with several rows of entries. The adjacent columns should be blank as well
The Data option is in the main menu at the top of the page. The Split text to columns option is near the end of the dropdown list.
Separators are special characters that mark where you can separate the string to its parts. Google Sheets can automatically detect the separator to use from the data stored in the column you selected, just like this case.
If Google Sheets did not automatically detect the separator, you can still set it as it contains a list of characters commonly used as separators. They are commas, periods, semicolons, and spaces. We will select Comma for this example.
After selecting the separator, just click anywhere in the sheet to keep the changes.
Full names use spaces as separators. Here are the steps:
The range should ideally be a single column with several rows of entries. The adjacent columns should be blank as well.
The Data option is in the main menu at the top of the page. The Split text to columns option is near the end of the dropdown list.
Click the drop-down box, then select Space.
The output becomes:
You can split the email account username from its host. Here are the steps:
The range should ideally be a single column with several rows of entries. The adjacent columns should be blank as well.
The Data option is in the main menu at the top of the page. The Split text to columns option is near the end of the dropdown list.
The ampersand connects the email user ID with the host holding the email account. The ampersand is not listed as one of the default choices. You can still set it by clicking the drop-down box, then select Custom.
Afterwards type the ampersand symbol @ to the textbox.
Once the sheet updates, just click anywhere on the sheet to retain the changes.
You can split URLs into the main website and its subdirectories. They are marked Here are the steps:
The range should ideally be a single column with several rows of entries. The adjacent columns should be blank as well.
The Data option is in the main menu at the top of the page. The Split text to columns option is near the end of the dropdown list.
The slash marks the hierarchy of subdirectories of a website, like a series of folders inside another in our files. However, the slash is not listed as one of the default choices. You can still set it by clicking the drop-down box, then select Custom.
Afterwards type the slash symbol / to the textbox.
Once the sheet updates, just click anywhere on the sheet to retain the changes.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our article on how to use the split formula in Google Sheets or our article on how to split the first and last name in Google Sheets.
If you want to learn how to send automatic reminder emails in Google Sheets, we also suggest checking out our detailed guide.
