Text Manipulation Last updated: 2026-08-20

TEXTSPLIT Function in Excel & Google Sheets (Split Text by Delimiters)

Split delimited text into columns or rows using TEXTSPLIT in Excel (and SPLIT in Google Sheets) without the manual Text to Columns wizard.

Quick Answer & Formula

Excel Sheets Beginner

=TEXTSPLIT(text, col_delimiter, [row_delimiter], [ignore_empty], [match_mode], [pad_with])

TEXTSPLIT splits a text string across columns using a delimiter: =TEXTSPLIT(A2, ", "). To split across rows, use the 3rd argument: =TEXTSPLIT(A2, , ", "). In Google Sheets, use =SPLIT(A2, ",").

TEXTSPLIT Function in Excel & Google Sheets

The modern dynamic array replacement for the old manual “Text to Columns” wizard.

1. Splitting Full Name into First and Last Name

If cell A2 contains "Jane Doe":

=TEXTSPLIT(A2, " ")

Spills: Jane into column B, Doe into column C.

2. Splitting a List Downward into Rows

If cell A2 contains "Apples, Oranges, Bananas, Grapes":

=TEXTSPLIT(A2, , ", ")

Spills each fruit into separate consecutive rows below.

3. Splitting with Multiple Different Delimiters

=TEXTSPLIT(A2, {",", ";", "-", "/"}, , TRUE)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I split by multiple different delimiters (e.g., commas and semicolons)?

Pass an array of delimiters in curly braces: =TEXTSPLIT(A2, {",", ";", "|"}).