Splitting Column Data

Splitting A Column Into Multiple Columns

When a single column contains combined data — full names, full dates, addresses with multiple parts — you usually need to work with each part separately. Copilot can split the column into new ones based on a plain-language description, without you having to write a formula or use Text to Columns manually.

Splitting With A Prompt

Open Copilot Chat and describe how the data should be split and what the new columns should be called. For example:

"Split the Full Name column into First Name and Last Name."

Copilot creates the new columns and fills them based on the original data. Once you're happy with the result, you can keep or hide the original column.

Always Check The Output

Copilot doesn't always get the split right on the first try. Some rows can:

• Be split incorrectly;
• Keep the original full value untouched;
• Land in the wrong column due to unusual formatting in the source.

A quick scan of the new columns is essential. Skipping this step is how subtle data errors end up downstream in formulas, charts, and reports — where they're much harder to spot.

Correcting With A Follow-Up Prompt

If you spot a problem, you don't have to start over. Describe the issue to Copilot directly — for example:

"Some rows in First Name still contain the full original value. Please fix those rows."

Copilot adjusts only the affected cells based on your description. This is faster than redoing the split and avoids touching the rows that were already correct.