How to Split a Cell Diagonally in Google Sheets

Long-term Microsoft Excel users are familiar with inserting diagonal lines in a cell when working with sheets. Adding diagonal lines can help out when trying to separate the title at the top of the row and the first column within a table in the file, for example.

However, users are often unaware that even though Google Sheets offers nearly all the same features and services, it often happens for some of those to be missing.

In this case, there is no built-in feature that splits cells diagonally in Google Sheets. As annoyed as you might feel at the moment, there are workarounds that can help with just that.

Since using Google Sheets is more convenient as opposed to Excel, learn how to adjust to Sheets and get the best experience out of Google Workplace. Check out the workarounds in the article below!

Check out: How to Color Every Other Row in Google Sheets.

Workaround 1: Using the SPARKLINE function to insert a diagonal line in Google Sheets

If you're trying to insert a diagonal line in a blank cell in Google Sheets, the best option is using the SPARKLINE function.

The SPARKLINE function creates small charts within a single blank cell.

The SPARKLINE function is as follows:

=SPARKLINE(data, [options])

• the = sign is the basis of any function in Sheets.
• SPARKLINE () is the function, where two attributes need to be added - data, and options.
• data - the data that will be contained in the cell.
• the [options] are used to customize the chart within the cell.

Follow these steps:

1. Click on the cell where the function will be written in. For example, click on cell A1.
2. Enter the function, and open a parenthesis - =SPARKLINE(
3. Insert a curly bracket {, and add '1,0'. Make sure to add a comma to separate the two attributes. Close the curly bracket.
4. Next, you'll need to adjust how the line break will look. Separate the previous brackets by adding a comma again.
5. Insert a curly bracket again, and type in "color,black". Close the curly bracket. The diagonal line will show up.

Note: If you resize the selected cell, and adjust the width and height, this will automatically resize the line.

You might also like: How to Unhide Rows in Google Sheets.

Workaround 2: Using the Drawing Tool to insert a diagonal line

When using the drawing tool, the diagonal line will look more professional as opposed to tilting the text to the side.

The drawing tool is a built-in feature, which makes it easy to navigate.

Follow these steps:

1. Click on the cell where you want to insert a diagonal line in. For example, A1.
2. Add text, for example, Month and Location. Make sure to add some space between the two titles, since this will help out when the diagonal line gets added.
3. From the top menu, click on 'Insert', and click on 'Drawing' from the drop-down menu.
4. In the drawing box, draw a diagonal line. The line will be resizable, so it doesn't need to be big. Click on 'Save and Close'.
5. The line will appear in the cell. Resize it to fit it according to the size of your cell.

Conclusion

Even though Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets offer more or less the same services, it often happens for some features to be a bit different.

Google Sheets doesn't have a built-in tool to add diagonal lines in cells, but in this article, we covered two different workarounds.

If you liked this article, check out: How to Remove Gridlines in Google Sheets and How to Combine First and Last Names in Google Sheets.