You have just transcribed a ton of records into a spreadsheet and you have the First and Surname in the same column i.e. (A1). Now you would like to separate them into separate columns i.e. (A1=First Name and B1= Surname) so that they are separated into separate columns. Well I think I may have just the solution for you to do this in seconds. Open your spreadsheet with the Data (Records) that you have copied and create two extra columns to the RIGHT of the column with the data (names) you have entered. Place your curser on the column next to the Names column (not in the heading row). Go to Insert and click on Columns (do this twice to get your two extra columns). Now place your curser in first empty Column immediately to the right of the column (not in the Headers) with your Names and in the Formula bar above enter the following formula: =RIGHT(A1,LEN(A1)-FIND(" ",A1,1)) This will separate all the Surnames into this column. Now move to the next empty column and enter the following formula in the Formula bar: =LEFT(A1,FIND(" ",A1,1)) This will put all the first names in this column. Now put your curser over the first entry (surname) of your new column and move your mouse until you get a + appear now right click and hold and drag down to the last entry in your document and hey presto all surnames are copied into that column. Do the same in the next column and hey presto again, its done. Easy peasy! PS don't forget to release your finger on your mouse when you get to the end of the list of entries. Regards Michael Visit Carlow: http://www.rootsweb.com/~irlcar2 (County Carlow IGP Project) Home Site: www.brennan-laois.com