Ultimately, I want to do a text to columns method but 1st I need to make the
data work properly.

I have close to 9000 items of vary degrees of numbers and text. I want a
formula that will insert a comma after the last " or ' in a cell, reading
from left.
3/4" x 1/2" pvc pipe
1/2" x 1/2" x 6' black pipe
1' insulated filter
This way when i do the text to columns, i can separate the by commas. The
purpose is to separate the sizes and the descriptions.

i have attached sample spread sheet with solution, please refer to it,

assuming the input values in column A, try this formula in column B,

=reversestring(CONCATENATE(LEFT(reversestring(A2), (IF(ISERROR(SEARCH("""",reversestring(A2),1)),SEAR CH("'",reversestring(A2),1),SEARCH("""",reversestr ing(A2),1)))-1),",",RIGHT(reversestring(A2),LEN(reversestring(A 2))-(IF(ISERROR(SEARCH("""",reversestring(A2),1)),SEAR CH("'",reversestring(A2),1),SEARCH("""",reversestr ing(A2),1))-1))))

and reversestring is a user defined vba function.

'created and edited by bala sesharao
Option Explicit

Public Function ReverseString(Text As String)

ReverseString = StrReverse(Text)

End Function


all the best.

For a "one off" formula solution(s)...

This formula inserts a comma at the desired location on the sample data you
posted.

A2 = 3/4" x 1/2" pvc pipe

=REPLACE(A2,LOOKUP(100,-MID(A2,ROW($1:$50),1),ROW($1:$50))+2,1,",")

Result of formula: 3/4" x 1/2",pvc pipe

These formulas will parse the string into 2 substrings.

A2 = 3/4" x 1/2" pvc pipe

Entered in B2:

=LEFT(A2,LOOKUP(100,-MID(A2,ROW($1:$50),1),ROW($1:$50))+1)

Result of formula: 3/4" x 1/2"

Entered in C2:

=MID(A2,LEN(B2)+2,50)

Result of formula: pvc pipe

--
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"mgbcab" wrote in message
...
Ultimately, I want to do a text to columns method but 1st I need to make
the
data work properly.

I have close to 9000 items of vary degrees of numbers and text. I want a
formula that will insert a comma after the last " or ' in a cell, reading
from left.
3/4" x 1/2" pvc pipe
1/2" x 1/2" x 6' black pipe
1' insulated filter
This way when i do the text to columns, i can separate the by commas. The
purpose is to separate the sizes and the descriptions.

On Sat, 22 May 2010 10:30:42 -0400, "T. Valko" wrote:

For a "one off" formula solution(s)...

This formula inserts a comma at the desired location on the sample data you
posted.

A2 = 3/4" x 1/2" pvc pipe

=REPLACE(A2,LOOKUP(100,-MID(A2,ROW($1:$50),1),ROW($1:$50))+2,1,",")

Result of formula: 3/4" x 1/2",pvc pipe

These formulas will parse the string into 2 substrings.

A2 = 3/4" x 1/2" pvc pipe

Entered in B2:

=LEFT(A2,LOOKUP(100,-MID(A2,ROW($1:$50),1),ROW($1:$50))+1)

Result of formula: 3/4" x 1/2"

Entered in C2:

=MID(A2,LEN(B2)+2,50)

Result of formula: pvc pipe

Note that your comma insertion formula fails if there is a number in the data
after the final ' or "

e.g: 1/2" x 1/2" x 6' black No. 7 pipe



--ron

Which is why I included a disclaimer:

This formula inserts a comma at the desired
location on the sample data you posted.

--
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"Ron Rosenfeld" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 22 May 2010 10:30:42 -0400, "T. Valko"
wrote:

For a "one off" formula solution(s)...

This formula inserts a comma at the desired location on the sample data
you
posted.

A2 = 3/4" x 1/2" pvc pipe

=REPLACE(A2,LOOKUP(100,-MID(A2,ROW($1:$50),1),ROW($1:$50))+2,1,",")

Result of formula: 3/4" x 1/2",pvc pipe

These formulas will parse the string into 2 substrings.

A2 = 3/4" x 1/2" pvc pipe

Entered in B2:

=LEFT(A2,LOOKUP(100,-MID(A2,ROW($1:$50),1),ROW($1:$50))+1)

Result of formula: 3/4" x 1/2"

Entered in C2:

=MID(A2,LEN(B2)+2,50)

Result of formula: pvc pipe

Note that your comma insertion formula fails if there is a number in the
data
after the final ' or "

e.g: 1/2" x 1/2" x 6' black No. 7 pipe



--ron

On Sat, 22 May 2010 12:12:59 -0400, "T. Valko" wrote:

Which is why I included a disclaimer:

This formula inserts a comma at the desired
location on the sample data you posted.

I saw the disclaimer. But I thought it would be beneficial to the OP to
understand that you were testing for the last digit in the string, and not for
the last " or ', and what the consequences might be.
--ron