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How to Separate Microsoft Forms Multiple-Choice Answers in SharePoint

Nimra Malik Sep 27, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to split multiple-selection responses from Microsoft Forms into distinct individual values when exporting them to a SharePoint list using Power Automate.

How to Separate Microsoft Forms Multiple-Choice Answers in SharePoint

Product: Microsoft Forms, Power Automate, SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Exporting multiple-choice survey or form responses into a SharePoint list.
Observed behavior: Multiple-choice responses are sent as a single combined string instead of being separated into distinct values in the SharePoint column.

Before you start

Ensure you have active permissions to edit the target SharePoint list and have access to edit the Power Automate flow connected to your Microsoft Forms.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Power Automate Data Operations and Seek Community Guidance

Because separating array values depends heavily on your specific SharePoint column types, utilizing Power Automate expressions or getting specialized help from the Power Platform Community is the most effective approach.

When Microsoft Forms sends multiple-choice answers, it typically formats them as a JSON array or a single comma-separated string. To push these into distinct SharePoint choices, you often need to initialize an array variable and use expressions like split() or replace() in Power Automate.

Since the exact configuration varies based on your form's structure and your specific SharePoint column setup, Microsoft experts recommend consulting the Power Platform Community for tailored workflow formulas.

Identify the data output format

Run a test flow in Power Automate and check the run history to see if your Microsoft Forms multiple-choice output is formatted as a single text string (e.g., 'Option A, Option B') or a JSON array.

Use Data Operations in Power Automate

Add a 'Compose' or 'Initialize variable' action in your flow to parse the responses. Use the split() function if the data is a string to convert it into a proper array format.

Ask the Power Platform Community

If the expression fails or your SharePoint Choice column rejects the input, take screenshots of your flow and post your specific workflow details in the Microsoft Power Platform Community forums for specialized assistance.

Use Power Automate Data Operations and Seek Community Guidance

Community Support Link: You can post your workflow details directly to the Microsoft Power Platform Community at: https://community.powerplatform.com/forums

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Microsoft Forms multiple-choice answers appear in one column in SharePoint?

By default, Microsoft Forms packages multiple-choice selections as a single string (often formatted like a JSON array) when passing data to Power Automate. Unless explicitly parsed and split into separate variables within the flow, SharePoint receives it as one combined text value.

What Power Automate function is used to split text strings?

The split() expression is commonly used in Power Automate. You can use it in a Compose action to divide a single string into an array based on a specific delimiter, such as a comma or a semicolon.

Can I map an array directly to a SharePoint Choice column?

Yes, but it requires specific formatting. A SharePoint multi-select Choice column expects an array of objects containing a 'Value' key (e.g., [{"Value": "Option 1"}, {"Value": "Option 2"}]). You may need a 'Select' action in Power Automate to format the array correctly before updating the SharePoint item.

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