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How to Split Excel Sheet into Multiple Workbooks Based on Rows?

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Published By Aswin Vijayan
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Approved By Anuraag Singh
Published On May 20th, 2026
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading
Category Excel

Handling large Excel files with thousands of rows can be difficult. If you are also one of those who are frustrated with the same, then this is the right guide. Here we will suggest effective ways to split Excel sheet into multiple workbooks based on rows to organize and manage data efficiently.

A single Excel workbook can contain over 1 million rows, which can make your file larger, slower, and more difficult to handle. Splitting Excel sheets into multiple files based on rows is the only way to improve file management, simplify data sharing, and reduce workbook loading issues in Excel.

Here we will talk about manual techniques, automatic solutions to split Excel sheet into multiple workbooks based on rows easily, the benefits of splitting files, etc.

Why Split Excel Sheet into Multiple Files?

Dividing large files into smaller parts has multiple benefits, such as:

  • Easy data management.
  • Open a large Excel file smoothly without crashing.
  • Easily handle and organize data by rows and columns.
  • Make the Excel file lighter easy to share.
  • Reduce risk of file corruption.
  • Improve performance for large datasets.

How to Split Excel Sheet into Multiple Workbooks Based on Rows?

Dividing a large sheet is not an easy task for non-technical users. These are the three different techniques:

  • Copy-Paste Data Manually
  • Using VBA Codes
  • Divide Large Files by Rows Smartly

Split Large Excel Sheet into Multiple Sheets Based on Rows

For large Excel files and splitting sheet with maintain structure and data, use only the Excel Splitter tool. This software supports any file size without limitations. It supports both XLSX and XLS format, and you can split multiple files at the same time. One of the best parts, it doesn’t require coding or technical knowledge and smoothly handles large files. This software allows you to split Excel sheet into multiple workbooks based on rows.

Method 1: Copy-Paste Data with Filters

  1. Open your large file and new sheet separately.
  2. Select the data.
  3. Filter required rows.
  4. Now copy the filtered data from here
  5. And paste into a new sheet.
  6. Finally, save separately.
  7. Repeat the same process for each row one by one.

Setbacks

  • Suitable for a few row lines in an Excel file.
  • Have to repeat the same steps for each row.
  • Not ideal for large Excel sheets.
  • The workbook must be opened in Excel without hanging and taking time to load.

Method 2: Split Excel Sheet into Multiple Files Using VBA Codes

This allows users to automate tasks using VBA scripts. Users can create a macro to split Excel sheet into multiple workbooks based on rows automatically.

  1. Open your workbook.
  2. Press “Alt + F11” to open the “VBA editor”.
  3. Choose “Insert” >> “Module” option.
  4. Use the given VBA code:
  5. Now run the macro using the “F5” key.
  6. Select the number of rows for each workbook.

Limitations of the VBA Method

  • Technical and code knowledge required.
  • Risk of macro errors.
  • Doesn’t work with corrupted files.
  • Fails with large Excel files.
  • Take time for bulk processing.

Method 3: Automatic Solution to Split Excel Sheet into Multiple Files

As we mentioned, manual techniques can’t work with large and slow data files, and also require technical knowledge, so the suggested solution is the only way to split Excel sheet into multiple workbooks based on rows smoothly. It works with XLSX and XLS to support both older and newer editions. It offers three different modes: by row, by column, and by sheets. More powerful features and working steps are mentioned in the upcoming sections.

Smart Features of the Solution

  • Users can split a file according to the desired size; it can handle all sizes smoothly without crashing.
  • Also, it allows dividing the file based on rows and columns for better management.
  • It preserves the original file structure and doesn’t alter data and hierarchy from the original file.
  • It works in offline mode, which means it will not store your information, which makes it more powerful and safer.
  • It’s a two-in-one solution, which means no need to invest separately to split and merge Excel files into one.

Steps to Split Excel Sheet into Multiple Workbooks Based on Rows

  1. Install the solution on your system, and choose “Split Excel” from here.

    tool

  2. Import your files/folders using the “Add Files” and “Add Folders” options.

    import files

  3. Now, all your selected files will appear, and choose the “Next” button to continue the process.

    selected files

  4. Select the Split by Row option as “Split Mode” and specify the split after row count, and choose the location to save output.

    split Excel sheet into multiple workbooks based on rows

  5. Press the “Split” button to split Excel sheet into multiple workbooks based on rows.
  6. Choose the “OK” button to complete the process.

    complete the process

Final Comment

Dividing large XLSX / XLS files is not an easy task; this guide has explained all possible and easiest ways to split Excel sheet into multiple workbooks based on rows. We have used two manual techniques, such as copy-paste filtered data and VBA codes for technical users. Both techniques can’t handle large and slow files. To avoid these issues, users can use a smart solution. It comes with powerful modes like split by rows, columns, and sheets accordingly, and provides numerous features for a smooth process. Even users can connect with us through live chat support.