Excel TEXTSPLIT Function: Split Text Into Columns with Simple Examples (2025)

Published: January 21, 2025 - 3 min read

Vijay Srinivas

The TEXTSPLIT function, introduced in Excel 2025, offers a powerful way to split text strings into separate columns or rows based on specified delimiters. Whether you’re working with CSV data, customer information, or system-generated reports, TEXTSPLIT provides a formula-based approach to text manipulation that surpasses traditional Text to Columns functionality.

Split Text Into Columns Using TEXTSPLIT

The TEXTSPLIT function follows a straightforward syntax while offering advanced capabilities for text manipulation. Let’s explore how to use it effectively.

Basic Syntax and Implementation

The fundamental syntax of TEXTSPLIT is:

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

Let’s break down each parameter:

  • text: The string or cell reference containing text to split
  • column_delimiter: Character(s) used to split text horizontally
  • row_delimiter: Optional character(s) used to split text vertically
  • ignore_empty: TRUE/FALSE to handle empty results
  • match_mode: Controls exact or partial delimiter matching
  • pad_with: Value to insert in empty cells

Working with Common Delimiters

Command: Split Names Using Comma Delimiter

  1. Select the destination cell
  2. Enter the formula:
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    =TEXTSPLIT(A1, “,”)
  3. Press Enter to see the split result

Example:

Input

Output Column 1

Output Column 2

Smith, John

Smith

John

Command: Split Text Using Multiple Delimiters

  1. Select your target cell
  2. Use this formula for multiple delimiters:
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    =TEXTSPLIT(A2, {“,”, ” “})
  3. Press Enter to apply

How to Split Text by Custom Delimiters

Custom delimiters allow you to handle specialized text formats and complex data structures.

Using Special Characters

Command: Split Text Using Special Characters

  1. Identify your special character delimiter
  2. Enter the TEXTSPLIT formula:
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    =TEXTSPLIT(A1, “|”)
  3. Adjust the formula based on your needs

Example with pipe delimiter:

Input

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

data1|data2|data3

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data1

data2

data3

Converting Complex Text Data with TEXTSPLIT

Handling Multi-dimensional Splits

Command: Split Data Across Rows and Columns

  1. Set up your data source
  2. Use both column and row delimiters:
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    =TEXTSPLIT(A2, “;”, CHAR(10))
  3. Check results in the spilled range

Error Handling and Empty Cells

Command: Handle Missing Data

  1. Add the ignore_empty parameter:
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    =TEXTSPLIT(A2, “,”, , TRUE)

  1. Specify pad_with value for empty cells:
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    =TEXTSPLIT(A2, “,”, , TRUE, , “N/A”)

What Does TEXTSPLIT Do Differently Than Text to Columns?

TEXTSPLIT offers several advantages over Text to Columns:

  • Formula-based approach allowing for dynamic updates
  • Multiple delimiter support in a single operation
  • Integration with other Excel functions
  • Automatic spilling of results
  • Better handling of irregular data patterns

Common TEXTSPLIT Applications

Processing CSV Data

Command: Import and Split CSV Data

  1. Reference your CSV data cell
  2. Apply TEXTSPLIT with comma delimiter:
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    =TEXTSPLIT(A2, “,”)
  3. Handle quoted text if necessary:
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    =TEXTSPLIT(A2, “””,”””)

Working with System-Generated Reports

Command: Clean and Split Report Data

  1. Combine with CLEAN function:
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    =TEXTSPLIT(CLEAN(A2), TAB)
  2. Apply additional formatting as needed

Next Steps

TEXTSPLIT revolutionizes how we handle text data in Excel, offering a powerful alternative to manual text splitting methods. From basic comma-separated values to complex multi-dimensional data structures, TEXTSPLIT provides the flexibility and functionality needed for modern data processing tasks.

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<meta_description> Title: “Master Excel’s TEXTSPLIT: Split Text Into Columns Like a Pro (With Examples)” Description: “Learn how to use Excel’s powerful TEXTSPLIT function to split text into columns and rows. Includes step-by-step tutorials and real-world applications.” </meta_description>

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Vijay Srinivas GTM @ Coefficient
Vijay Srinivas is an engineer turned marketer who loves to dabble in data and has 6 years of experience in GTM for Startups and SaaS orgs. Building his skills currently to be a PLG & spreadsheet expert.
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