[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Microsoft Excel is a great tool for working with data of all types, including text. You can import or paste data from just about anywhere in just about any format, which can lead to the need to split cell contents. For instance, you may have tables where an entire record \u2013 with field delimiters \u2013 is contained in a single cell. Perhaps you have cells with the full names of customers, but you need to split the first and last names. Regardless of the reason, Microsoft Excel has multiple solutions.<\/p>\n
In this guide, you will learn six different methods of splitting cells in Microsoft Excel. First, you will learn how to use the text-to-columns wizard to specify exactly how you want the contents split. Second, you will learn to use the flash fill tool to split cell contents based on patterns. Third, you will learn how to use a built-in text function so the split cells will remain updated: TEXTSPLIT. Fourth, you will learn how to use Power Query to split cells and how to split them into rows instead of columns. Finally, you will also learn how to split merged cells.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”split-cells-using-text-to-columns” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
If you need to split the text in a cell into several cells, you can use the text-to-columns tool. The wizard will guide you through the process, and you can specify whether the contents are separated by a specific delimiter or have a fixed width.<\/p>\n
Follow the steps below to use the text-to-columns tool to split full names into first and last names.<\/p>\n
1.<\/strong> Select the cells containing the full names. On the Data tab, click the \u2018Text to columns\u2019 button.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-text-to-columns.webp” alt=”How to split cells in Excel \u2014 Text to Columns button on the Data tab with the full names selected” title_text=”Text to Columns button on the Data tab with the full names selected” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> In this case, the names are separated by a space, so you should choose \u2018Delimited\u2019 and click \u2018Next\u2019.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-delimited.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel \u2014 Convert Text to Columns wizard, step 1, with Delimited selected” title_text=”Convert Text to Columns wizard, step 1, with Delimited selected” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> Select the delimiter from those available or choose \u2018Other\u2019 and type it into the text box. Click \u2018Next\u2019 to specify the destination and data types. If you want to replace the existing cells, click \u2018Finish\u2019.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-space-delimiter.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel \u2014 wizard step 2 with Space checked as the delimiter” title_text=”Wizard step 2 with Space checked as the delimiter” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Select the destination cell and click \u2018Finish\u2019.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-destination.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel \u2014 wizard step 3 with the destination set to cell B2″ title_text=”Wizard step 3 with the destination set to cell B2″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5.<\/strong> The first and last names are now in separate cells.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-first-last-names.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel \u2014 full names split into first and last names in columns B and C” title_text=”Full names split into first and last names in columns B and C” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”split-cells-using-flash-fill” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n If you need to split the contents of a cell, you can use the Flash Fill tool. In fact, you can also use it to extract part of the contents. For simple patterns, providing a single sample cell is enough for Microsoft Excel to recognize the pattern, while more complex patterns may need two or three.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Open the spreadsheet containing the cells you want to split. In the column to the right, reproduce the contents of the corresponding cell to the left up to the point where you want to split.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-flash-fill-sample.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel with Flash Fill \u2014 first name typed as a sample next to the full name” title_text=”First name typed as a sample next to the full name” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Grab the fill handle and drag it down to the last cell. Click the button in the bottom right corner and select \u2018Flash fill\u2019.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-flash-fill-option.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel with Flash Fill \u2014 Auto Fill options menu with Flash Fill highlighted” title_text=”Auto Fill options menu with Flash Fill highlighted” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> As you can see, Excel has interpreted the pattern correctly. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the last name.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-flash-fill-result.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel with Flash Fill \u2014 first and last names filled in from the pattern” title_text=”First and last names filled in from the pattern” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”split-cells-using-textsplit” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n In the examples below, you will learn how to use the TEXTSPLIT function to split the contents of a cell. One of the benefits of using formulas is that the split cells will update when the original data changes.<\/p>\n Follow the steps below to split a full address delimited by commas into separate cells.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Type the TEXTSPLIT function into an empty cell.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-textsplit-formula.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel with TEXTSPLIT \u2014 formula started next to a column of full addresses” title_text=”Formula started next to a column of full addresses” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Click the cell that contains the text you want to split, then type a comma.<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> Type the delimiter between quotation marks. In this case, the text is delimited by commas.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-textsplit-delimiter.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel with TEXTSPLIT \u2014 cell A2 and a comma delimiter entered in the formula” title_text=”Cell A2 and a comma delimiter entered in the formula” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Close the parenthesis and press \u2018Enter\u2019. Drag the fill handle to copy the formula to the last row.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-textsplit-result.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel with TEXTSPLIT \u2014 addresses split into street, city, state, and country columns” title_text=”Addresses split into street, city, state, and country columns” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”split-cells-into-columns-or-rows-using-p” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Power Query is a very versatile tool that can be used to manipulate data in any way you want. This includes splitting the contents of cells into separate columns or even separate rows. Follow the steps below to split cell contents using Power Query.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Select the cells you want to split and go to the Data tab to access Power Query. If you\u2019re using a Mac, copy the table and launch Power Query, as shown below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-launch-power-query.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel with Power Query \u2014 Get Data menu with Launch Power Query Editor” title_text=”Get Data menu with Launch Power Query Editor” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Click \u2018Enter data\u2019.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-power-query-enter-data.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel with Power Query \u2014 Enter data button in the Power Query Editor” title_text=”Enter data button in the Power Query Editor” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> Paste the table contents using the Cmd + V shortcut. Click \u2018OK\u2019 to move to the next window.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-power-query-paste.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel with Power Query \u2014 Create table dialog with the Paste option” title_text=”Create table dialog with the Paste option” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Click \u2018Transform\u2019, then \u2018Split column\u2019 to see the options. In this case, the text is separated by delimiters.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-power-query-split-column.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel with Power Query \u2014 Transform tab with Split column by delimiter” title_text=”Transform tab with Split column by delimiter” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5.<\/strong> If you want to split the contents to separate columns, select the separator and click \u2018OK\u2019.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-power-query-by-comma.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel with Power Query \u2014 Split column dialog with Comma as the separator” title_text=”Split column dialog with Comma as the separator” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 6.<\/strong> To split the contents into separate rows, select \u2018Advanced\u2019 and under \u2018Split into\u2019, select \u2018Rows\u2019. Click \u2018OK\u2019 to apply.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-power-query-into-rows.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel with Power Query \u2014 advanced options with the Split into Rows setting” title_text=”Advanced options with the Split into Rows setting” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 7.<\/strong> In this case, the text has been split into columns, which you can rename by double-clicking on the headers.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-power-query-rename.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel with Power Query \u2014 split columns renamed, with the Close & load button” title_text=”Split columns renamed, with the Close & load button” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 8.<\/strong> Finally, click \u2018Close & load\u2019 to send the new table back to Excel.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-power-query-loaded.webp” alt=”Split cells in Excel with Power Query \u2014 split table loaded back into the worksheet” title_text=”Split table loaded back into the worksheet” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”split-cell-contents-to-rows-using-functi” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Using Power Query is not the only way to split cell contents into rows; you can combine TRANSPOSE and TEXTSPLIT to achieve the same result.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Wrap the TRANSPOSE function around the TEXTSPLIT function, as shown below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-transpose-textsplit.webp” alt=”Split cells into rows in Excel \u2014 TRANSPOSE wrapped around TEXTSPLIT in the formula bar” title_text=”TRANSPOSE wrapped around TEXTSPLIT in the formula bar” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Press \u2018Enter\u2019 to see the results. However, you won\u2019t be able to drag the formula as usual since the results of the formula need to spill over 4 cells.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-split-into-rows.webp” alt=”Split cells into rows in Excel \u2014 one address split down four rows” title_text=”One address split down four rows” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”split-merged-cells” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n To split merged cells, select them and click the toolbar button with the merge options. Select \u2018Unmerge cells\u2019.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-unmerge-cells.webp” alt=”Split merged cells in Excel \u2014 Merge & Centre menu with Unmerge Cells highlighted” title_text=”Merge & Centre menu with Unmerge Cells highlighted” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The merged cell has been split, and the contents transferred to the cell on the left.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/split-cells-in-excel-unmerged.webp” alt=”Split merged cells in Excel \u2014 header unmerged, with the text kept in the first cell” title_text=”Header unmerged, with the text kept in the first cell” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”conclusion” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n You have a lot of options when it comes to splitting cells in Microsoft Excel. You now know how to split cell contents using the text-to-columns tool, where you can specify the delimiters in the original text and specify the data types in the new split cells. You also know how to use the flash fill tool to split cell contents based on a pattern. If you need to keep the split cells linked so that they are updated with changes, you know how to use built-in functions.<\/p>\n Depending on your version of Microsoft Excel, you can use the TEXTSPLIT function directly or combine other text functions, such as SEARCH, LEN, RIGHT, and LEFT. However, Power Query offers the most flexibility when it comes to splitting cells, as well as keeping the data connected. Finally, you also know how to split cell contents into rows instead of columns and how to split merged cells.<\/p>\n To learn more about working with cells in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, take a look at the articles below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Fractionnez des cellules dans Excel avec l'assistant Conversion, le remplissage instantan\u00e9, TEXTSPLIT ou Power Query, et s\u00e9parez aussi les cellules fusionn\u00e9es. Chaque m\u00e9thode est d\u00e9taill\u00e9e pas \u00e0 pas.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":262194,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[51],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-262170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-excel-features"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=262170"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/262170\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/262194"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=262170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=262170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=262170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Split cells using Flash Fill<\/h2>\n
Split cells using TEXTSPLIT<\/h2>\n
Split cells into columns or rows using Power Query<\/h2>\n
Split cell contents to rows using functions<\/h2>\n
Split merged cells<\/h2>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n
\n