How to Separate the First and Last Names in Microsoft Excel

Quick summary

This tutorial shows how to separate first and last names in Microsoft Excel using the built-in Text to Columns feature under the Data menu. In just a few clicks, you can split a combined name column into two distinct columns without any formulas.

Steps

1. In your Microsoft Excel worksheet, find and select the entire column containing the list of names you want to split.
2. Head to the top menu bar and click Data.
3. Choose Split Text to Columns from the available options.
4. Specify the delimiter used between the first and last names (such as a space or comma).
5. Check the preview to confirm the results, then click Apply to save the changes.
6. The first and last names from the selected list will now be separated into two columns.