Split text to columns in Google Sheets - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the SPLIT function do in Google Sheets?

The SPLIT function divides text into separate parts based on a chosen separator, placing each part into its own cell.

beginner

How do you split the text "apple,banana,orange" into separate cells using a comma as the separator?

Use the formula: =SPLIT("apple,banana,orange", ","). This will put "apple", "banana", and "orange" into separate cells horizontally.

intermediate

Can SPLIT function handle multiple separators at once?

Yes! You can provide multiple separators as a string. For example, =SPLIT(A1, ",; ") splits text at commas, semicolons, or spaces.

beginner

What happens if the separator is not found in the text when using SPLIT?

The entire text stays in the original cell because there is nothing to split.

beginner

How can you split text into columns without using a formula?

Use the menu: Select the cells → Click Data → Choose Split text to columns → Pick the separator from the dropdown.

Which formula splits the text "red|green|blue" into separate cells using the pipe symbol?

A =SPLIT("red|green|blue", " ")

B =SPLIT("red|green|blue", ",")

C =SPLIT("red|green|blue", "|")

D =SPLIT("red|green|blue", ";")

The pipe symbol | is the separator, so it must be used as the second argument in SPLIT.

What will happen if you use =SPLIT("hello world", ",")?

A Text splits into two cells at the space

B Formula returns an error

C Text splits into two cells at the comma

D Text stays in one cell because comma is not found

Since there is no comma in "hello world", the text stays in one cell.

How do you split text using multiple separators like comma and space?

A =SPLIT(A1, ",")

B =SPLIT(A1, ",; ")

C =SPLIT(A1, ", ")

D )" ," ,1A(TILPS=

You list all separators inside the second argument as a string, like ",; " to split at commas, semicolons, or spaces.

Which menu option lets you split text to columns without typing a formula?

A Data > Split text to columns

B Tools > Split columns

C Format > Split text

D Insert > Split text

The correct menu is Data > Split text to columns.

If you want to split text vertically into rows instead of columns, what should you do?

A Use TRANSPOSE with SPLIT

B Use SPLIT normally

C Use SPLIT with a vertical separator

D Use the menu option Split text to rows

SPLIT splits text into columns by default. To get rows, wrap SPLIT with TRANSPOSE.

Explain how to use the SPLIT function to separate text into columns in Google Sheets.

Think about what character divides your text.

Describe two ways to split text into columns in Google Sheets.

One way uses a formula, the other uses a menu option.