Excel TRIM function - quick way to remove extra spaces

This tutorial shows you quick and easy ways to remove extra spaces in Excel. Learn how to eliminate leading, trailing, and excess spaces between words, troubleshoot the TRIM function, and discover alternative solutions.

Facing duplicate detection failures, zero sums in numerical columns, or #N/A errors in VLOOKUP? These issues often stem from hidden spaces before, after, or within your cell data. Microsoft Excel offers several methods to clean this up. This tutorial focuses on the TRIM function for its speed and simplicity.

- Excel TRIM function: Syntax and Usage

• Practical TRIM Examples:
  • Removing spaces from an entire column
  • Removing leading spaces from numbers
  • Removing only leading spaces (Left Trim)
  • Counting extra spaces within cells
  • Highlighting cells with excess spaces
• Troubleshooting TRIM Function Issues
• One-Click Space Removal with a Tool

The TRIM Function: Removing Extra Spaces

Excel's TRIM function removes extra spaces from text, leaving only a single space between words.

Syntax: TRIM(text) where "text" refers to the cell containing the text.

For example: =TRIM(A1) removes spaces from cell A1.

Note: TRIM handles only the standard space character (ASCII 32). For line breaks and other non-printing characters, combine TRIM with CLEAN: =TRIM(CLEAN(A1)). To remove non-breaking spaces (HTML character  ), use TRIM with SUBSTITUTE and CHAR: =TRIM(SUBSTITUTE(A1, CHAR(160), " ")).

Using TRIM Function: Practical Examples

Let's explore specific TRIM applications and potential problems.

Trimming Spaces in an Entire Column

To trim spaces in a column (e.g., column A):

1. In the adjacent column (e.g., B2), enter =TRIM(A2).
2. Double-click the bottom-right corner of the cell to copy the formula down.
3. Copy the values from the trimmed column (column B), then use Paste Special > Values to overwrite the original column (column A).

Removing Leading Spaces from Numbers

TRIM on numbers might leave them as text. To convert back to numbers, multiply by 1 or use VALUE: =VALUE(TRIM(A2)).

Removing Only Leading Spaces (Left Trim)

To remove only leading spaces while preserving spaces between words: =MID(A2,FIND(MID(TRIM(A2),1,1),A2),LEN(A2))

Counting Extra Spaces

Count extra spaces with: =LEN(A2)-LEN(TRIM(A2))

Highlighting Cells with Excess Spaces

Use conditional formatting with the rule: =LEN($A2)>LEN(TRIM($A2))

Troubleshooting TRIM

TRIM only removes ASCII 32 spaces. For non-breaking spaces (ASCII 160), use: =TRIM(SUBSTITUTE(A1, CHAR(160), " ")). For other non-printing characters, identify their ASCII code using CODE(LEFT(A1,1)), CODE(RIGHT(A1,1)), or CODE(MID(A1,n,1)) and then use SUBSTITUTE to remove them.

One-Click Space Removal

For a simpler solution, consider a dedicated tool like the "Trim Spaces" tool in Ultimate Suite, which provides a one-click solution for removing various types of spaces.

Downloadable Resources

• Trim Excel Spaces Workbook (.xlsx)
• Ultimate Suite Trial Version (.exe)

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