Analyzing and manipulating data tends to become easier with the use of powerful tools such as Google Sheets. However, sometimes our data may require further modifications or even cleansing to help in parsing and managing it effectively. The good news is Google Sheets comes with built-in functions that allow for trimming, splitting text into various columns, and even removing duplicates cleanse. These features can definitely enhance productivity by saving time.
In this article we explain in detail those three tools and outline the steps needed to ensure presented data is organized and free of any errors.

1. Using the “Split Text to Columns” feature Name Of The Feature

When working with data, sometimes a single cell contains multiple pieces of information separated by commas, space, or any other form of separator. In such instances, splitting them into multiple columns can greatly help in proper analysis and enhancing comprehension of the data.

Steps to Split Text into Columns:

Step 1: Access the Google Sheets document you want and highlight the cell or range of cells whose text you intend to split.

Step 2: Click the “Data” tab located in the upper menu.

Step 3: Choose “Split text to columns” from the dropdown list.

Step 4: Attention to the contents of the cell will appear on your right. In that box you will find the option to set a delimiter. You may elect to choose delimiter as either:

Comma

Full Stop

Space

Semi-colon

If the delimiter is not provided, such as – or | then select “Custom” and define the character that is to be used.

In case you apply the delimiter Then whatever you put in the Content header will be split into columns . This is very functional for Celloular data, Address data, Name data, or product codes for data, where every piece of information must lie in its respective column.

2. How to Eliminate Redundancies in Google sheets  

Working with gigantic sets of data, redundancy can lead to muddled or erroneous results. Another tool in Google sheets that makes cleaning data simple is the Remove duplicate tool, which instantly gets rid of repeat values.

Procedure to Eliminate Redundancies:  

Step 1: Open the google worksheets document.

Step 2: Pick the column or specific part of data you want to remove redundant data.

Step 3: On the upper menu, locate the Data Tab.

Step 4: On the dropdown, select Remove Redundancies.

Step 5: You will be shown a pop-up that shows what data needs your approval for deletion. If your selection covers a whole range, make sure you tick the “Data has header row” box (if it applies).

Step 6: Hit “OK”. Any duplicates will now be removed from Google Sheets, and you will be notified of the number of duplicates found and deleted.

The “Remove duplicates” feature enables efficient data cleanup by ensuring every entry in the dataset is unique. 3. How to use the “Trim whitespace” feature Sometimes, while doing a copy-paste or even typing, some extra spaces get added in front, behind, or in between the words in cells. These unnecessary spaces interfere in calculations, sorting, and filtering, among other things. The “Trim whitespace” feature on Google Sheets was created to assist in the effortless removal of extra spaces on data.

Steps for Trimming Whitespace:

Step 1: Go to your Google Sheets document and select the text that needs trimming.

Step 2: Click on the “Data” tab on the top panel.

Step 3: Choose “Trim whitespace” from the dropdown.

Step 4: You will be shown a pop-up confirming what actions you want to do. Click “OK” to take action.

The “Trim whitespace” option eliminates any leading or trailing spaces, as well as additional spaces between words in a cell to produce smooth and consistent text. This option is most ideal for large databases with a lot of irregular spacing.

Conclusion

The “Data” tab in Google Sheets includes helpful tools that can assist you with effectively organizing, cleansing, or systematizing your data. If your aim is to adjust text to fit into multiples columns, delete redundant text or duplicate entries, or remove extra spaces, these options will definitely save you time and effort.

To divide data stored in a single cell, you can use the “Split text to columns” option. Deleting duplicates assists in maintaining accurate data, and trimming whitespace helps in standardizing text for analysis.

These functions can be found on the “Data” tab and they will ensure that your Google Sheet is tidy and well-structured.