How to Make One Long Column Into Multiple Columns in Excel
By Mircea Gabriel Suciu
Splitting a very long column into multiple cells can make the difference between an easy-to-read Microsoft Excel document and one with data that is poorly structured. In the latest versions of the software, you can split the data in a long column using a feature available in the "Data" menu. Depending on how large your data set is, you can select one or more delimiters to split the text in your column.
Select the column with the data you want to split into multiple columns.
Click "DATA" and then select "Text to Columns" to open the "Convert Text to Columns" wizard.
Select the delimiters you want to use for splitting your data. You can choose between Tab, Semicolon, Comma and Space, but you can also create custom delimiters. Click "Next."
Click "Finish" to split your data into multiple columns.
Tips
The number of columns your data will be split on depends on the delimiters you select. For example, if you select Comma as your delimiter and one of the cells to be split contains three words separated by comma, the data will be split into three columns.
Optionally, you can also select the destination of the data split into multiple columns. By default, Excel will select the columns located immediately to the right of the column to be split.
References
Writer Bio
Based in Manchester, United Kingdom, Mircea Gabriel Suciu has been writing articles in the field of technology since 2010. He is currently pursuing a Master of Engineering degree in computer science from the University of Manchester.