There are numerous ways to split text in Excel. In this article, we will see several methods for Excel split text by space formula. We have a sample dataset containing Names. Space is used as a delimiter here. Let’s see, how to split text by space using formulas in Excel.
In this post, we will see the use of LEFT, FIND, SEARCH, RIGHT, TRIM, LEN, SUBSTITUTE, COLUMNS functions and use a VBA code to split text by space.
1. Combining LEFT and FIND Formula to Split Text by Space in Excel
At first, we will extract the First Name which is the left portion of the name using the LEFT and FIND functions.
Steps:
- First, type the following formula in cell C5.
=LEFT(B5, FIND(" ",B5))
- Now, press the ENTER key.
Here, FIND(” “,B5) gives the output as 5. Which are total letters including Space from the left side of the name. Then =LEFT(B5, 5) gives us the result as Mary.
- Finally, drag down to AutoFill rest of the series.
Read More: How to Split First And Last Name in Excel
2. Splitting Text by Space Using Excel MID and FIND Functions
Now, we will split the middle name which is separated by space using MID and FIND functions.
Steps:
- First, type the following formula in cell D5.
=MID(B5,FIND(" ",B5),FIND(" ",B5,FIND(" ",B5)+1)-FIND(" ", B5))
- After that, press the ENTER key.
- Lastly, drag down to AutoFill rest of the series.
So, what is happening here? FIND(” “,B5,FIND(” “,B5)+1)-FIND(” “, B5) determines the number where the second space is. In this case, it is 10. And, =MID(B5,5,10) gives the result as Elizabeth. 5 is the start number, and 10 means the total number of characters.
Read More: How to Split Text in Excel by Character
3. Joining Excel RIGHT and SEARCH Formula to Split Text
To split the Last Name, we will use the RIGHT, LEN, and SEARCH functions. Both the functions FIND and SEARCH have the same properties.
Steps:
- First, type the following formula in cell E5.
=RIGHT(B5,LEN(B5)-SEARCH(" ",B5,SEARCH(" ",B5,1)+1))
- Now, press the ENTER key.
- Finally, drag down to AutoFill rest of the series.
That’s it. Here, formula SEARCH(” “,B5,SEARCH(” “,B5,1)+1) gives us the output as 15 which i the number of characters inctuding space of Mary and Elizabeth.LEN(B5) yields the result 20. Which means, LEN(B5)-SEARCH(” “,B5,SEARCH(” “,B5,1)+1) basically gives output as 5(20 minus 15). Finally, =RIGHT(B5,5) gives the final result as Smith.
Read More: How to Split Text in Excel Using Formula
4. Splitting Text by Space with Formula Combining Excel Functions
In this method, we will use a combination function of TRIM, SUBSTITUTE, COLUMNS, LEN, and REPT functions to split texts by space.
Steps:
- Firstly, type the following formula in cell C5.
=TRIM(MID(SUBSTITUTE($B5,"",REPT(" ",LEN($B5))),(COLUMNS($B4:B4)-1)*LEN($B5)+1,LEN($B5)))
- Now, press the ENTER key.
- At this point, drag down to the right to AutoFill the row series.
- At last, drag down to AutoFill rest of the series.
For your information, links for each function are provided here. If the formula intrigues you about what is happening here. Please click the link and have a look at their uses and formula breakdowns.
5. Running VBA Macro to Split Text by Space
In our last method, we will use a VBA code to split texts by space.
Steps:
- First, right-click on the sheet and go to View Code.
- After that, copy and paste the VBA code below.
VBA code:
Sub SplitTextbyspace()
Dim Mydataset() As String, Count As Long, J As Variant
For Rnumber = 5 To 10
Mydataset = Split(Cells(Rnumber, 2), " ")
Newdest = 3
For Each J In Mydataset
Cells(Rnumber, Newdest) = J
Newdest = Newdest + 1
Next J
Next Rnumber
End Sub
- Finally, press the F5 or play button to run the code.
Here, For Rnumber = 5 To 10 means our row number of the dataset and Newdest=3 represents the first column where the text will split and follows on.
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Conclusion
That’s all for the article. These are 5 different methods for Excel split text by space formula. Based on your preferences, you may choose the best alternative. Please leave them in the comments area if you have any questions or feedback.
