How to Split a String In Excel

Nov 04, 2020 • edited Nov 06, 2020

How to Split a String In Excel

This example teaches you how to separate strings in Excel.

Separate Strings Example

The problem we are dealing with is that we need to tell Excel where we want to separate the string. In case of Smith, Mike the comma is at position 6 while in case of Williams, Janet the comma is at position 9.

1. To get the first name, use the formula below.

First Name

Explanation: to find the position of the comma, use the FIND function (position 6). To get the length of a string, use the LEN function (11 characters). =RIGHT(A2,LEN(A2)-FIND(",",A2)-1) reduces to =RIGHT(A2,11-6-1). =RIGHT(A2,4) extracts the 4 rightmost characters and gives the desired result (Mike).

2. To get the last name, use the following formula.

Last Name

Explanation: to find the position of the comma, use the FIND function (position 6). =LEFT(A2,FIND(",", A2)-1) reduces to =LEFT(A2,6-1). =LEFT(A2,5) extracts the 5 leftmost characters and gives the desired result (Smith).

3. Select the range B2:C2 and drag it down.

Separate Strings in Excel

#Tutorial#How To#Functions#Text

How to Generate Random Numbers In Excel

How to use Calculate Quarter in Excel