How to separate data in Excel simply and quickly

In the process of working with Microsoft Excel, separating data from a cell into separate parts is an important and convenient skill. But how to do it effectively? In this article, we will guide you in detail on methods to separate data in Excel.

I. How to separate data in excel

To separate text in Excel,  you can use several methods such as using functions like LEFT, RIGHT, MID, or using the Text to Columns feature. Here are some detailed steps:

Method 1: Use the LEFT, RIGHT, MID functions

Use the LEFT function to get characters from the left: =LEFT(A1, chars_number). In this formula, A1 is the cell containing the text you want to split, and chars_number is the number of characters you want to get from the left.

Use the RIGHT function to get characters from the right: =RIGHT(A1, chars). Similarly, A1 is the cell containing the text, and chars is the number of characters you want to get from the right.

Use the MID function to get characters from a specified position: =MID(A1, start_position, number_of_characters). In this Excel text splitting method, A1 is the cell containing the text, start_position is the starting position of the substring, and number_of_characters is the number of characters you want to get.

Method 2: How to split excel using Text to Columns

Step 1: Select the cell or column to split.

Step 2: Select the “Data” tab on the toolbar. Select “Text to Columns”.

Step 3: Select the type of data you are working with, either Delimited or Fixed Width.

• • If Delimited, select the type of delimiter (e.g. comma, tab, period, …).
  • If it is Fixed Width, move the slider to specify the crop positions.

Step 4: Click “Next” and follow the instructions on how to split data in excel to configure how the data is split.

Step 5: Click “Finish” to complete the column splitting process.

Note that the best way depends on how your data is organized. If you have more specific information, I can provide more detailed instructions.

Method 3: How to split excel using Flash Fill

Enter an example of how to split excel want the data to be split into a new cell. For example: If you want to split the first and last name from a cell with the format “Last name”, enter for example “Nguyen Van” into the new cell.

Step 1: Enter the Last name of the first person in the column you want to display. Then, select the remaining cells in the correct order in the list to split. On the Excel toolbar, select Fill and then select Flash Fill.

Step 2: Immediately after that, the remaining personal names will be separated into the boxes you selected and you’re done.

II. How to separate date month year in excel

In the way to separate date in excel from a cell containing date, you can use functions like DAY, MONTH, YEAR, or use the Text to Columns tool . Here are some ways you can do it:

Method 1: Use the DAY, MONTH, YEAR functions

Suppose the date is in cell A1:

Split date: =DAY(A1) . This function will return the day from date month year.

Split month: =MONTH(A1) . This function will return the month from date month year.

Extract year: =YEAR(A1) . This function will return the year from date.

Method 2: Using the TEXT function

If the date is in a cell and you want to create new columns containing separate information, you can use the TEXT function to do the excel split and convert the date format:

Split date: =TEXT(A1, “dd”) . This function will return the day from date month year.

Split month: =TEXT(A1, “mm”) . This function will return the month from date month year.

Extract year: =TEXT(A1, “yyyy”) . This function will return the year from date.

Method 3: Use the Text to Columns tool (do the same as the instructions above)

Following the ways to split excel not only saves time but also provides flexibility in handling diverse data. You can choose the method that suits the structure and format of the data in your spreadsheet. With these techniques, splitting data becomes simple and effective, and helps you optimize the process of working with Excel.

For more information, visit: support.Microsoft

See more: Instructions on how to insert and format time in Excel