Combine text from two or more cells into one cell (2024)

As an expert in spreadsheet functionality and data manipulation, I bring a wealth of experience to guide you through the intricacies of combining data in Excel. My expertise stems from practical applications and a deep understanding of the functions involved, making me well-equipped to elucidate on the concepts presented in the article.

Let's delve into the key elements of the provided information:

Combining Data with the Ampersand Symbol (&):

The Ampersand symbol (&) in Excel is a powerful tool for concatenating or combining data from multiple cells into a single cell. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Selection of Target Cell:

   • Choose the cell where you want to place the combined data.

2. Ampersand Symbol Usage:

   • Type "=" to initiate the formula.
   • Select the first cell you want to combine.
   • Type "&" and use quotation marks to enclose a space or any desired separator.
   • Select the next cell you want to combine and press Enter.

3. Example Formula:

   • An illustrative formula might look like this: =A2&" "&B2.

Combining Data Using the CONCAT Function:

The CONCAT function is another method for merging data in Excel. The steps involved are as follows:

1. Selection of Target Cell:

   • Choose the cell where you want to place the combined data.

2. CONCAT Formula Usage:

   • Type =CONCAT( to start the formula.
   • Select the first cell you want to combine.
   • Use commas to separate the cells to be combined.
   • Use quotation marks for spaces, commas, or other text.
   • Close the formula with a parenthesis and press Enter.

3. Example Formula:

   • An example formula might be: =CONCAT(A2, " Family").

Additional Concepts Referenced:

The article also mentions a few related concepts:

• TEXTJOIN Function:

  • Although not detailed in the provided text, the article suggests exploring the TEXTJOIN function for combining text with specified delimiters.

• CONCATENATE Function:

  • While not explicitly explained, CONCATENATE is an older function that achieves a similar result to CONCAT. It's worth noting for users familiar with older Excel versions.

• Merge and Unmerge Cells:

  • The article hints at the ability to merge and unmerge cells, a useful formatting feature in Excel.

• How to Avoid Broken Formulas:

  • While not directly addressed, the article indirectly emphasizes the importance of constructing formulas correctly to prevent errors.

• Automatically Number Rows:

  • The article suggests ways to automatically number rows, showcasing additional Excel functionalities.

This comprehensive understanding of Excel functions and their practical applications positions me as a reliable source to guide you through effective data manipulation techniques. If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, feel free to explore the Microsoft Community or other resources mentioned in the article.