I’m working on splitting a single column’s data, where values are separated by a vertical bar (|), into separate entries.
The challenge is to ensure that the rest of the data in adjacent columns aligns correctly with the split values. I created a sample sheet to illustrate the issue but couldn’t adapt a similar solution I found elsewhere for my specific needs, especially considering my sheet has 50 columns. Any guidance on an appropriate approach is greatly appreciated.
Edit: A blank cell was inserted into the table.
Considering a similar challenge in a project with a large dataset, I had to split delimited entries while keeping all other data correctly aligned. I found that using array formulas in conjunction with the SPLIT function can be the key. Although the SPLIT function takes care of dividing the values, regathering the separated items back to match the full dataset requires careful referencing. I arranged my data to generate column indices and then used an index-match approach to pull the appropriate values. It required some experimentation, but the method proved successful when handling a high number of columns.
I faced a similar issue when handling a large dataset with delimited values. In my case, I started by creating intermediary columns that used the SPLIT function to break the data on the delimiter. Using additional formulas like INDEX and MATCH, I was able to realign those split values with the corresponding rows in the rest of the data. It took some trial and error to manage blank cells and maintain consistency across all 50 columns, but this method eventually provided a reliable solution.
hey, try using regexextract along with array formulas to exapnd your split vals and keep data aligned. i ended up adjusting for blank cells with a simple script and it did the trick for stacking the split parts correctly. hope this helps!
In a previous project with a similarly complex dataset, I encountered alignment issues when splitting a delimited column into multiple entries. Initially, I tried using SPLIT and array formulas, but as the dataset grew, the formulas became overly complicated, especially when dealing with 50 columns. I ended up writing a simple custom script in Google Apps Script that processed each row, split the delimited data, and then inserted the resulting values in new rows while preserving the alignment of adjacent columns. This script-based method significantly reduced manual intervention and ensured consistent results throughout the dataset.
In a previous project, I encountered a similar challenge while working with a large dataset. I opted for a combined approach where I first used the FLATTEN function to expand the delimited column into separate rows. To maintain alignment with the rest of the dataset, I then created a unique key for each original row. This key helped in mapping the newly split entries back to their corresponding rows using INDEX and MATCH functions. This method proved to be robust, especially when dealing with blank cells and a wide range of columns.