How To Switch First And Last Names In Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a powerful tool for organizing and manipulating data.

One common task that many users need to perform is to switch the position of first and last names in a list of names.

In this article, we will show you how to do this quickly and easily using the built-in functions of Google Sheets.

Step 1: Prepare Your Data

The first step in switching first and last names in Google Sheets is to prepare your data.

This means making sure that all of the names are in the same format, and that there are no extra spaces or errors in the data.

To start, select the column of names that you want to switch.

Next, go to the “Data” menu and select “Trim Leading and Trailing Spaces.” This will remove any extra spaces from the beginning or end of each name.

Next, check for any errors in the data.

Make sure that all of the names are spelled correctly and that there are no extra spaces or other errors in the data.

Step 2: Use The SPLIT Function

The SPLIT function is a built-in function in Google Sheets that allows you to split a string of text into multiple parts based on a delimiter.

In this case, we will use the space between the first and last names as the delimiter.

To use the SPLIT function, start by selecting the column of names that you want to switch.

Next, go to the “Insert” menu and select “Function.” In the search box, type “SPLIT” and select the SPLIT function from the list.

In the “Text” box, type in the cell reference of the first name in the column (e.g., “A1”).

In the “Delimiter” box, type in a space (e.g., ” “).

This will tell the SPLIT function to split the names at the space between the first and last names.

Step 3: Use The CONCATENATE Function

The CONCATENATE function is a built-in function in Google Sheets that allows you to join multiple strings of text together.

In this case, we will use the CONCATENATE function to join the last name and the first name together, with a space in between.

To use the CONCATENATE function, start by selecting the column where you want the switched names to appear.

Next, go to the “Insert” menu and select “Function.” In the search box, type “CONCATENATE” and select the CONCATENATE function from the list.

In the “Text1” box, type in the cell reference of the last name, which is the second element of the SPLIT function (e.g., “A1:B1”).

In the “Text2” box, type in the cell reference of the first name, which is the first element of the SPLIT function (e.g., “A1:A1”).

In the “Delimiter” box, type in a space (e.g., ” “).

This will tell the CONCATENATE function to put a space between the last name and the first name.

Step 4: Use The Copy And Paste Special

The final step is to copy and paste the switched names from the CONCATENATE function to the original column of names.

To do this, select the column where you used the CONCATENATE function, and then go to the “Edit” menu and select “Copy.” Next, select the original column of names, and then go to the “Edit” menu and select “Paste Special.” In the paste options, select “Values” and click “OK.” This will paste the switched names over the original names, while keeping the original formatting and data.

Conclusion

Switching first and last names in Google Sheets can be done quickly and easily using the built-in functions of Google Sheets.

By using the SPLIT and CONCATENATE functions, you can easily separate and join names, and then copy and paste the switched names over the original names.

With this technique, you can easily organize and manipulate your data in Google Sheets.

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