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Excel: Split cell - this is how it works

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Divide the cell contents into several columns
1st step:
2nd step:
3rd step:
4th step:
5th step:
Break the cell bond
Quick guide: Splitting the cell contents into several columns

To keep track of things, you can split cells in Excel. You can find the instructions here..

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Some tools for creating and managing tables are known from Microsoft Word. This also includes the popular "Split Cell" function. This allows several smaller cells to be created within a single cell. Unfortunately, it is not that simple in Microsoft Excel. We'll show you what you can still achieve.

Divide the cell contents into several columns

From Word you are used to the fact that a split cell means that two cells can be seen directly within a column instead of just one cell. However, this does not work with Excel because the program would otherwise not be able to process the data correctly.
The following method describes that the cell contents are then divided into three adjacent cells, each of which is in a different column. This is the only way you can divide a cell in Excel.

Follow our step-by-step instructions or take a look at the brief instructions .

Attention: For this method, a number of columns must be free to the right of the column described (or the corresponding number of cells within the same row). The number corresponds to the number of values ​​to be separated from the first cell. For example, if you want to divide the cell into three columns, two columns must be free to the right of it. The content of the right column is automatically overwritten. Before this happens, however, you will also receive another warning.

To create a new column, click on the " Start " tab . Then select the little arrow in the " Insert " field and click " Insert Leaf Columns ".

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1st step:

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Put a separator between the respective column contents within your cell. The most common separators are tabs, semicolons, commas and spaces, although you have to be careful with the latter that you do not use a space without a separator in other places in the cell. You can also specify a character to separate it, such as a colon, then click on your cell. And select the option " Text in columns " in the " Data " tab .

2nd step:

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Opt for the option " Separated " and then click " Next> ".

3rd step:

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Now select which separator you have chosen. In the example, the content to be separated is separated by a semicolon . You can also select different separators at the same time, but this could be confusing. In the lower area of ​​the window, you get a direct preview of how your table might look later. Click on " Next> ".

4th step:

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Now you can set the data format of the columns. Normally the " standard " settings are sufficient . When you are finished, click on " Finish ".

5th step:

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Now you have successfully divided your cell.

Break the cell bond

This method only works if your cell already has two connected cells. You then only have to break the cell bond. Just click on the appropriate cell and select the tab " Start ," select " cell Unmerge " from..

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Quick guide: Splitting the cell contents into several columns

  1. Put separators between the values you want to separate, such as a semicolon.
  2. Select your cell and click on the " Data " tab .
  3. Now click on " Text in Columns ".
  4. Select " Separated " and then click " Next> ".
  5. Put a tick next to the separator you have chosen, for example next to " Semicolon ". Click on " Finish " if you do not want to edit the layout any further. Otherwise click on " Next> ", edit the outer shape of your cells and then select " Finish ". You have now successfully divided your cell.

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