Excel 2013’s Split feature divides a worksheet window into independently scrollable panes. If you accidentally create a split or no longer need to compare distant parts of a sheet, you can remove it without changing any worksheet data.
Remove split panes in Excel 2013
- Open the affected worksheet.
- Select the View tab.
- Look in the Window group.
- Select Split.
Because Split is a toggle, clicking it while panes are already split removes the divider and returns the worksheet to a single scrolling view.
You can also interact with the split bar
Depending on the split configuration, dragging the divider to the edge of the worksheet window or double-clicking a split control can remove it. Using View > Split is usually the clearest method because it avoids accidentally repositioning the divider.
Split and Freeze Panes are different
A split creates panes that can scroll separately. Freeze Panes keeps selected rows or columns visible while the rest of the worksheet scrolls. If the worksheet still appears divided after turning Split off, open View > Freeze Panes and check whether rows or columns are frozen.
Removing the split does not delete cells
The feature changes only how the workbook window displays the sheet. Formulas, formatting, values, charts, and print settings remain unchanged.
Office 2013 is unsupported
Microsoft ended Office 2013 support in April 2023. Excel 2013 can still remove split panes normally, but it no longer receives standard security updates. Use a supported Microsoft 365 or Office version for ongoing work and spreadsheets obtained from untrusted sources.
If the split reappears every time you open a particular workbook, save the file after removing it and verify that you have permission to update the workbook.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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