How to merge two columns in Excel sheet

Whether you’re organizing contact lists or merging datasets, efficiently managing data often requires combining columns in spreadsheets. Here, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to merge two columns in an Excel sheet.

Why combine columns in Excel sheets

Combining columns can help you organize data more efficiently, save a lot of time, and make large datasets easier to manage. For example, you might need to merge first and last names into a single column or combine addresses spread across multiple columns. Properly combining columns ensures clarity and makes data easier to analyze.

Let’s explore two effective methods to achieve this, using the ONLYOFFICE Spreadsheet Editor as an example.

Combination method 1: Use the CONCATENATE or TEXTJOIN formula

Step 1: Open your spreadsheet

Begin by opening your spreadsheet in ONLYOFFICE Spreadsheet Editor. You can either upload an existing Excel file or create a new one from scratch.

Step 2: Insert a helper column

Identify the columns you want to combine, for instance, columns A and B. Insert a blank column next to them, which will act as a helper column for storing the merged data. For example, insert column C.

Step 3: Use the CONCATENATE or TEXTJOIN formula

To merge the data, you can use either the CONCATENATE or TEXTJOIN function. Select the first cell of the helper column and enter a formula. For a basic merge, use =CONCATENATE(A1, " ", B1), replacing A1 and B1 with the actual cell references. This formula joins the text in the two columns with a space in between.

If you want to add a delimiter and ignore blank cells, use =TEXTJOIN(", ", TRUE, A1:B1). Adjust the delimiter as needed.

Step 4: Apply the formula to all rows

After entering the formula, drag the fill handle down the helper column to apply the formula to all rows. This step ensures that the data from the two columns is merged across the entire range.

 Step 5: Copy and paste as values

To finalize the data and remove the formula dependency, copy the entire helper column. Then right-click, choose the Paste Special option, and select Values. This action replaces the formulas with static text values.

Combination method 2: Use the Ampersand (&) Operator

Step 1: Open your spreadsheet

As with method 1, start by opening your spreadsheet in ONLYOFFICE Spreadsheet Editor.

Step 2: Insert a helper column

Insert a blank column next to the columns you wish to combine. For instance, if columns A and B hold the data, insert column C.

Step 3: Enter the formula

In the first cell of the helper column, enter the formula using the ampersand operator. For example: =A1 & " " & B1. Replace A1 and B1 with the appropriate cell references. The ampersand acts as a connector, joining the values in the specified cells with a space in between.

If you don’t want the space between the merge content, simply use =A1&B1.

Step 4: Apply the formula

Drag the fill handle down to apply the formula to all rows. This method works well for straightforward merging tasks.

Step 5: Finalize the data

Like in the 1st method, copy the helper column and paste it as values to remove the formula.

Tips and tricks  to merge columns effectively

• Use clear naming: Label the helper column appropriately, such as “Full Name,” to ensure clarity in your spreadsheet.
• Experiment with delimiters: Depending on your data, you can use different separators, like slashes or dashes, to better organize the merged content.
• Save regularly: Enable autosave in ONLYOFFICE to avoid losing progress during collaborative sessions.
• Keyboard shortcuts: Use shortcuts like Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V for copying and pasting data quickly, especially when working with large datasets.

Calculate and collaborate effortlessly

ONLYOFFICE Spreadsheet Editor stands out with its powerful features and user-friendly interface. It supports all popular Excel formats and provides seamless online collaboration.

By following the steps above, you can efficiently merge columns in an Excel sheet while maintaining data integrity and organization. Start using ONLYOFFICE Spreadsheet Editor today to enhance your productivity!

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