How to Remove Blank Spaces in Excel -7 Methods

This sample dataset contains cells with multiple blank spaces.

dataset

Method 1 – Using the TRIM Function to Remove Blank Spaces

Enter the following formula in an empty cell (A16).

=TRIM(A5)

The TRIM function will remove extra blank spaces from A5.

trim

Press ENTER and no blank spaces will be displayed in A16.

remove blank spaces

Drag A16 to apply the formula to all other cells in column A.

apply in all cells

Read More: How to Remove Space Before Text in Excel


Method 2 – Using the Find and Replace Command

Go to Home> Editing > Find & Select > Replace

find and replace

In the Find and Replace window, enter single space in Find what box and click Replace All.

find and replace box

Click OK in the confirmation box and close the Find and Replace window.

confirmation box

All blank spaces have been removed.

remove blank spaces

Method 3- Using the SUBSTITUTE Function to Remove Blank Spaces

You can also use the SUBSTITUTE function to remove blank spaces. Enter the following formula in B16.

=SUBSTITUTE(B5, " ", "")

The substitute function will remove the spaces in B5.

SUBSTITUTE FUNCTION in Excel

Press ENTER and the text will be displayed without blank spaces in B16.

remove blank spaces in Excel

Drag B16 to apply the formula to all other cells in column B.

remove blank spaces in all cell


Method 4 – Remove a Blank Space using the REPLACE Function

The REPLACE function can also remove blank spaces. Enter the following formula in B16.

=REPLACE(B5,1,LEN(B5)-LEN(TRIM(B5)),"")

The LEN function indicates the length of the string in B5. LEN(B5)-LEN(TRIM(B5)  gives the number of blank spaces. The REPLACE function replaces the original text with the string without blank spaces.

REPLACE FUNCTION IN EXCEL

Press ENTER to see the text without blank spaces in B16.

REMOVE BLANK SPACES IN EXCEL

Drag B16 to apply the formula to all other cells in column B.

REMOVE BLANK SPACES

Method 5 – Using the Text to Column Feature to Remove Blank Spaces

Select the column and go to Data> Data Tools > Text to Columns

TEXT TO COLUMNS

In the Convert Text to Columns Wizard window, select Fixed width and click Next.

TEXT TO COLUMN WIZARD

Move the vertical line to the end of your text and click Next.

TEXT TO COLUMN WIZARD

Select General and click Finish.

REMOVE BLANK SPACES IN EXCEL

Cells in the selected columns have no blank spaces.

REMOVE BLANK SPACES IN EXCEL

Method 6 – Using a VBA to Remove Blank Spaces

  • Press ALT+F11 to open the VBA window.
  • In Project,  right-click the sheet name.
  • Choose Insert from the dropdown menu and select Module.

VBA

A Module(Code) window will be displayed.

MODULE

Enter the following code in the Module.

Sub Remove_Blanks()

Dim x As Range

For Each x In Selection.Cells

x.Value = VBA.Trim(x.Value)

Next x

End Sub

CODE

Close the VBA window. Select your dataset and go to View > Macros.

MACRO

A Macro window will open. Click Run.

MACRO BOX

All blank spaces will be removed.

REMOVE BLANK SPACES IN EXCEL

Method 7 – Using the Power Query to Remove Blank Spaces

Select your dataset and go to Data > Get Data > From Other Sources > From Table/Range

TABLE

A Create Table dialog box will open. Click OK.

CREATE TABLE

The Power Query Editor window will open.

POWER QUERY

All your data is displayed.

DATA IN POWER QUERY

Right-click any header and select Transform > Trim.

Repeat the same procedure for all the columns. Blank spaces will be removed.

REMOVE BLANK SPACES IN EXCEL

In the home tab, select Close & Load.

IMPORT FROM POWER QUERY

Data is will be displayed in a new sheet: Table.

Remove blank spaces in EXCEL

Download Practice Workbook


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Prantick Bala
Prantick Bala

PRANTICK BALA is a marine engineer who loves exploring Excel and VBA programming. Programming, to him, is a time-saving tool for efficiently managing data, files, and internet tasks. He is proficient in Rhino3D, Maxsurf, C++, MS Office, AutoCAD, Excel, and VBA and goes beyond the basics. Armed with a B.Sc in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from BUET, he has transitioned into the role of a content developer. Beyond his work, find him immersed in books, exploring new... Read Full Bio

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