separate data from one column into two

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lauren
  • Start date Start date
L

Lauren

How can I fix the mistake that was made before me in set
up of a list that contains contact names entered into ONE
field as "lastname, first name" and what I really need is
that data separated into TWO columns containing last name
separated from first?
 
Make sure you have an empty column to the right to take the data and then select all the data
concerned and do Data / Text To Columns / Delimited and tick the comma box if you have a comma
between each entry. Then hit OK till you are out.
 
Lauren,

The easiest method is to use Text To Columns.

If your data is consistently listed as Lastname,
Firstname, it will work

Example of this would be:
Smith, Joe
Jones, Harry

You will want to do the following:
1) Insert a column to the right of the column of values
that you want to parse
2) Highlight the cells that you want to separate
3) Go to Data-Text To Columns
4) Choose to Use a Delimiter
5) Choose a Comma as a delimiter
6) Hit the Finish Button

Let me know if you have any questions

Rekoj
 
Lauren

Dat>Text to Columns>Delimited by comma or space depending on your format.

Gord Dibben Excel MVP - XL97 SR2 & XL2002
 
You got one answer for using "Text to Columns" with a space as
delimiter, and another with comma as delimiter; in fact you need to
check both or you'll end up with a comma after the last name or a
leading space before the first name.

Alan Beban
 
Back
Top