Excel Column Merge

We can merge values in two or more cells in Excel. We can apply the same for columns as well. We are required to use the formula in every column cell by dragging or copy-paste the formula in each column. For example, we have a list of candidates with the first name in one column and the last name in another. The requirement here is to get the full name of all candidates in one column. We can do this by merging the column in Excel.

How to Merge Multiple Columns in Excel?

We can merge the cells using two ways.

Method #1 – Using the CONCAT Function

We can merge the cells using the CONCAT FunctionUsing The CONCAT FunctionThe CONCATENATE function in Excel helps the user concatenate or join two or more cell values which may be in the form of characters, strings or numbers.read more. Let us see the below example.

We have Ram and Kumar in the last name column in the first name column. Now, we need to merge the value in the full name column. So here we use =CONCAT(A2,” “,B2). The result will be as below.

We have noticed that we have used” “between the A2 and B2. That is used to give space between the first name and last name. If we had not used” “in the function, the result would have been Ramkumar, which looks awkward.

Method #2 – Merge the Cells by Using the “&” Symbol

We can merge the cells using the “&” symbol with the CONCAT function. Let us see the example below.

We can merge the cells by using the “&” symbol in the formula. So, let us combine the cells by using the “&” symbol. So, the formula will be =A2& “” &B2. The result will be Kapil Gupta.

Let us merge the value into two columns.

We have a list of first and last names in two columns, A and B, below. Now, we require the full name in column C.

Follow the below steps:

  • We must place the cursor on C2.Then, we must insert formula =CONCAT(A2,” ”,B2) in the C2 cell.Next, we will copy cell C2 and paste it in the range of column C, i.e., if we have the first name and last name till the 11th row, then paste the formula till C11.

The result will be as shown below.

Suppose we have a list of 10 students whose first name, middle name, and last name are in columns A, B, and C, and we need the full name in column D.

  • We must first place the cursor on D2.Then, we need to put the formula =CONCAT(A2,” “,B2,” “,C2) in D2.Then, we must copy the cell D2 and paste it in the range of column D., i.e., if we have the first name and last name till the 11th row, then paste the formula till D11.

The result will look as shown in the below image.

We have a list of first and last names in two columns, A and B, below. Next, we need to create a user ID for each person.

Note: Space is not allowed in a user ID.

  • Firstly, we must place the cursor on C2.Secondly, we should put the formula =CONCAT(A2,”.”,B2) in C2.Lastly, we must copy cell C2 and paste it in the range of column C., i.e., suppose we have the first name and last name till the 11th row, then paste the formula till D11.

The result will look as shown in the below image. Similarly, we can merge the value using some other character, i.e. (dot (.), hyphen (-), the asterisk (*), etc.

Things to Remembered

  • CONCAT function works with Excel 2016 or above version. If we are working on the earlier version of Excel, we need to use the CONCATENATE function.It is not mandatory to use any space or special character while merging the cells. We can merge the cells in excelMerge The Cells In ExcelMerging a cell in excel refers to combining two or more adjacent cells either vertically, horizontally or both ways. Merging excel cells is specifically required when a heading or title has to be centered over an area of a worksheet.read more or columns without using anything.

This article has been a guide to Excel Column Merge. Here, we learn how to merge columns in Excel using the CONCAT function and “&” symbol methods and examples and downloadable Excel templates. You may learn more about Excel from the following articles: –

  • Merge Worksheet in ExcelExcel Shortcut for Merge and CenterUnmerge Cells in ExcelXOR in Excel