5 Easy Steps to Merge 2 Columns in Excel

5 Easy Steps to Merge 2 Columns in Excel

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5 Easy Steps to Merge 2 Columns in Excel
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Bored with manually copying and pasting information from a number of columns right into a single one? Uncover a seamless resolution to merge columns in Microsoft Excel, saving you effort and time. With the Merge Columns function, you’ll be able to effortlessly mix information from totally different columns right into a consolidated column, eliminating the necessity for tedious and error-prone handbook work. Furthermore, this function permits you to specify numerous choices to customise the merged information, making certain it meets your particular necessities.

To unlock the ability of the Merge Columns function, navigate to the Information tab within the Excel ribbon and find the Information Instruments group. Click on on the Merge icon and comply with the intuitive steps to pick the columns you want to merge. Excel offers flexibility in selecting how one can mix the info. You’ll be able to decide to separate the merged values with a delimiter of your alternative, equivalent to a comma, area, or another character. Moreover, you may have the choice to disregard clean cells or skip hidden cells through the merging course of, making certain that solely the related information is included.

The Merge Columns function empowers you to reinforce the effectivity and accuracy of your information administration. By automating the duty of merging columns, you’ll be able to decrease the danger of errors which will come up from handbook information manipulation. Moreover, this function permits you to create consolidated experiences or summaries by combining information from a number of sources, enabling you to achieve precious insights and make knowledgeable selections. Embrace the Merge Columns function and expertise a transformative enchancment in your Excel workflow.

Combining Information from Two Columns

Merging columns in Excel is a robust method that permits you to mix information from a number of sources right into a single, cohesive column. That is significantly helpful when you’ll want to consolidate info from totally different tables or worksheets right into a single, complete view. There are a number of approaches to merging columns in Excel, and the very best methodology depends upon the particular necessities of your information.

Utilizing the Components Bar

One of the vital easy methods to merge columns is by utilizing the formulation bar. This methodology includes making a formulation inside one of many merged cells that references the values from the 2 authentic columns. Here is an instance of how to do that:

1. Choose the cell the place you need the merged information to look.

2. Within the formulation bar, enter the next formulation: =A1&” “&B1

3. Press Enter.

The formulation will concatenate the values from cells A1 and B1 into the present cell, with an area character in between. If you wish to merge information from a number of cells in every column, you should use extra ampersand characters to concatenate the values collectively. For instance, the next formulation would merge the values from cells A1, B1, C1, and D1 right into a single cell:

=A1&” “&B1&” “&C1&” “&D1

Utilizing the CONCATENATE Perform

Another choice for merging columns is to make use of the CONCATENATE operate. The CONCATENATE operate takes a number of textual content values as arguments and combines them right into a single worth. To make use of the CONCATENATE operate to merge columns, comply with these steps:

1. Choose the cell the place you need the merged information to look.

2. Within the formulation bar, enter the next formulation: =CONCATENATE(A1, ” “, B1)

3. Press Enter.

The CONCATENATE operate will concatenate the values from cells A1 and B1 into the present cell, with an area character in between.

Utilizing Energy Question

Energy Question is a robust instrument in Excel that can be utilized to remodel and merge information from a number of sources. To merge columns utilizing Energy Question, comply with these steps:

1. Choose the info you wish to merge.

2. Go to the Information tab within the Excel ribbon.

3. Click on on the “Get & Rework” button.

4. Within the Energy Question Editor, choose the 2 columns you wish to merge.

5. Go to the “Rework” tab within the Energy Question Editor.

6. Click on on the “Merge Columns” button.

7. Within the Merge Columns dialog field, choose the next choices:

Possibility Description
Merge as new column Creates a brand new column that incorporates the merged information.
Delimiter The character that separates the values within the merged column.
Prefix The textual content that’s added to the start of the merged column.
Suffix The textual content that’s added to the top of the merged column.

8. Click on on the “OK” button.

Energy Question will create a brand new column that incorporates the merged information from the 2 chosen columns.

Merging Textual content with the CONCAT Perform

The CONCAT operate is a robust instrument that permits you to merge textual content from a number of cells right into a single cell. This may be helpful for a wide range of functions, equivalent to creating full names from first and final names or combining addresses from totally different columns. The CONCAT operate takes two or extra textual content strings as arguments and returns a single textual content string that’s the concatenation of the arguments. The syntax of the CONCAT operate is as follows:

=CONCAT(text1, text2, …, textn)

the place:

  1. text1, text2, …, textn are the textual content strings that you just wish to concatenate.

For instance, the next formulation concatenates the primary and final names in columns A and B to create a full identify in column C:

=CONCAT(A2, ” “, B2)

The next desk exhibits the outcomes of utilizing the CONCAT operate to concatenate textual content from totally different columns:

Column A Column B Column C
John Doe John Doe
Jane Smith Jane Smith
Mary Jones Mary Jones

Merging Textual content and Numbers

Merging textual content and numbers in Excel is a standard job that can be utilized to mix information from totally different sources or to create customized formatting. To merge textual content and numbers, you should use the CONCATENATE operate.

The CONCATENATE operate takes two or extra arguments and returns a single textual content string that’s the results of becoming a member of the arguments. The arguments might be textual content, numbers, or different features that return a textual content string.

For instance, the next formulation will merge the textual content string “Howdy” with the quantity 123:

Components Outcome
=CONCATENATE(“Howdy”, 123) Hello123

You can even use the CONCATENATE operate to merge a number of columns of information.

For instance, the next formulation will merge the info within the A and B columns:

Components Outcome
=CONCATENATE(A1, B1) [Value in A1][Value in B1]

The CONCATENATE operate is a flexible instrument that can be utilized to merge textual content and numbers in a wide range of methods. By understanding how one can use the CONCATENATE operate, it can save you time and enhance the accuracy of your information.

Utilizing the & Operator

On this methodology, we concatenate the values of the 2 columns utilizing the ampersand (&) operator. The result’s a single column that incorporates the mixed values.

For instance we now have the next information in two columns, Column A and Column B:

Column A Column B
John Doe
Jane Smith
Peter Parker

To merge these two columns utilizing the & operator, we are able to use the next formulation in a 3rd column, say Column C:

=A1&" "&B1

This formulation concatenates the values from Column A and Column B, and provides an area between them. The end result can be:

| Column C |
|—|—|
| John Doe |
| Jane Smith |
| Peter Parker |

This methodology is straightforward and simple, but it surely has a limitation: it does not permit for any extra formatting or customization of the merged information. For instance, if you happen to wished to alter the font or coloration of the merged information, you would need to do it manually.

Merging Columns with Completely different Information Sorts

When merging columns with totally different information sorts, Excel sometimes treats the info as textual content. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to specify the info sort of the merged column to take care of the unique information sorts. Here is how:

1. Choose the columns to be merged.

2. Go to the “Information” tab within the Excel ribbon.

3. Click on the “Merge & Heart” button within the “Information Instruments” group.

4. Within the “Merge & Heart” dialog field, choose the “Customized” choice.

5. Within the “Customized” dialog field, choose the next choices:

Merge Sort: Merge cells throughout choice
Merge throughout: Total row
Information Operation: Select the info sort of the merged column (e.g., Textual content, Quantity, Date)

After you have chosen the specified choices, click on “OK” to merge the columns. The info within the merged column can be transformed to the desired information sort.

Ignoring Clean Cells within the Merge

When merging two columns, you might not wish to embrace the clean cells. This may be achieved by utilizing the IFERROR operate. IFERROR checks if a cell incorporates an error, and if that’s the case, returns a specified worth. On this case, we are able to use IFERROR to verify if a cell is clean, and if that’s the case, return an empty string.

To disregard clean cells within the merge, use the next steps:

  1. Choose the cells that you just wish to merge.
  2. Click on on the "Information" tab.
  3. Click on on the "Merge & Heart" button.
  4. Within the "Merge & Heart" dialog field, choose the "Ignore clean cells" checkbox.
  5. Click on on the "OK" button.

Right here is an instance of how one can use the IFERROR operate to disregard clean cells within the merge:

Instance

Column A Column B Merge
Worth A Worth B Worth AValue B
Worth A Worth A
Worth A Worth C Worth AValue C
Worth D

On this instance, the IFERROR operate is used to verify if the cells in Column B are clean. If a cell is clean, the IFERROR operate returns an empty string. Consequently, the clean cells are usually not included within the merge.

The next desk exhibits the outcomes of the merge:

Column A Column B Merge
Worth A Worth B Worth AValue B
Worth A Worth A
Worth A Worth C Worth AValue C
Worth D Worth D

Concatenating A number of Columns

If you’ll want to merge greater than two columns, you should use the CONCATENATE operate. This operate takes two or extra textual content strings as arguments and returns a single textual content string that’s the concatenation of the arguments. For instance, the next formulation concatenates the contents of cells A1, B1, and C1 right into a single cell, D1:

=CONCATENATE(A1, B1, C1)

You can even use the & operator to concatenate textual content strings. The & operator is equal to the CONCATENATE operate. For instance, the next formulation is equal to the earlier formulation:

=A1 & B1 & C1

To concatenate a number of columns right into a single column, you should use the next steps:

  1. Create a brand new column in your worksheet.
  2. Within the first cell of the brand new column, enter the next formulation:
    =CONCATENATE(A1, B1, C1)

  3. Press Enter.
  4. Choose the cell that incorporates the formulation.
  5. Drag the fill deal with all the way down to the top of the column.
  6. The formulation can be copied to the remaining cells within the column, and the contents of the desired columns can be concatenated into the brand new column.
  7. If you’ll want to concatenate greater than three columns, you’ll be able to add extra arguments to the CONCATENATE operate or use the & operator.

    8. Right here is an instance of how one can use the CONCATENATE operate to concatenate a number of columns:

    Column A Column B Column C Column D
    John Doe 123 Principal Avenue =CONCATENATE(A2, ” “, B2, “, “, C2)
    Jane Smith 456 Elm Avenue =CONCATENATE(A3, ” “, B3, “, “, C3)
    Invoice Jones 789 Oak Avenue =CONCATENATE(A4, ” “, B4, “, “, C4)

    On this instance, the CONCATENATE operate is used to concatenate the contents of columns A, B, and C right into a single cell in column D. The ensuing textual content string contains the primary identify, final identify, and handle of every individual.

    Formatting the Merged Information

    After you have merged the 2 columns, you might have to format the merged information to make sure it’s in line with the remainder of your spreadsheet. Listed here are the steps to format the merged information:

    1. Choose the Merged Cells

    Use your mouse to pick the cells that you’ve got merged.

    2. Select the Formatting Choices

    From the Residence tab within the Excel ribbon, choose the suitable formatting choices to your information. This will likely embrace altering the font, dimension, coloration, alignment, or quantity format.

    3. Apply the Formatting

    After you have chosen the specified formatting choices, click on the Apply button to use the modifications to the merged information.

    4. Regulate the Row Top or Column Width

    If needed, you’ll be able to modify the row peak or column width to accommodate the merged information. Choose the merged cells and use the mouse to pull the borders of the row or column till it reaches the specified dimension.

    5. Use Textual content Wrapping

    If the merged information is simply too lengthy to suit inside the cell, you should use textual content wrapping to show it throughout a number of strains. Choose the merged cells and click on the Wrap Textual content button on the Residence tab.

    6. Merge and Heart

    To middle the merged information inside the cell, choose the merged cells and click on the Merge & Heart button on the Residence tab.

    7. Use Conditional Formatting

    Conditional formatting permits you to routinely format the merged information primarily based on sure standards. Choose the merged cells and use the Conditional Formatting instrument on the Residence tab to use conditional formatting guidelines.

    8. Use a Desk

    For a extra structured and customizable structure, you’ll be able to convert the merged information right into a desk. Choose the merged cells and click on the Insert > Desk button on the Residence tab. This can create a desk with the merged information because the heading.

    Formatting Possibility Description
    Font Modifications the font of the merged information
    Dimension Modifications the dimensions of the merged information
    Colour Modifications the colour of the merged information
    Alignment Aligns the merged information inside the cell
    Quantity Format Applies a selected quantity format to the merged information (e.g., foreign money, proportion, and so on.)

    Troubleshooting Merged Column Errors

    In case your merged column is exhibiting errors, listed below are some widespread troubleshooting steps to resolve them:

    1. Guarantee Information Compatibility: Confirm that the info being merged is suitable. Incompatible information codecs (e.g., textual content and numbers) can disrupt the merging course of.

    2. Examine Cell Referencing: Double-check the cell references used within the merge formulation. Incorrect cell references can result in inaccurate merges.

    3. Clear Hidden Cells: Generally, hidden cells intervene with merging. Unhide any hidden cells and take a look at merging once more.

    4. Take away Invalid Characters: Non-printable characters, equivalent to areas or line breaks, can disrupt merging. Examine the info for any such characters and take away them.

    5. Confirm Vary Consistency: Be certain that the vary of cells being merged is adjoining and contiguous. Overlapping or non-contiguous ranges may cause merging errors.

    6. Use the Merge Cells Command: Alternatively, use the built-in “Merge Cells” command on the Residence tab. This function is much less vulnerable to errors than handbook merging.

    7. Convert Formulation to Values: If the merged columns include formulation, convert them to static values earlier than merging. Formulation can intervene with the merging course of.

    8. Examine Regional Settings: Regional settings can have an effect on how information is interpreted. Be certain that Excel’s regional settings align together with your information format.

    9. Errors in Merging Information from A number of Workbooks: In case you are merging information from totally different workbooks, confirm that the info codecs and column headers in each workbooks are constant. Inconsistent codecs or headers may cause merging errors.

    Superior Merging Strategies

    10. Merge A number of Columns Utilizing Energy Question

    Energy Question is a robust Excel instrument that permits you to manipulate information and carry out advanced transformations. You should utilize Energy Question to merge a number of columns by following these steps:

    1. Choose the columns you wish to merge.
    2. Click on on the “Information” tab after which “Get & Rework Information.”
    3. Within the Energy Question Editor, click on on the “Merge Columns” button.
    4. Choose the “Delimiter” you wish to use to separate the merged values (e.g., comma, area).
    5. Click on on the “OK” button.

      6. Your chosen columns will now be merged right into a single column. Energy Question additionally offers superior choices for dealing with duplicate values and merging columns of various information sorts.

      Superior Merging Strategies

      1. Merge Information Throughout A number of Rows

      To merge information throughout a number of rows, use the “CONCATENATE” operate. This operate takes a number of ranges as arguments and combines them right into a single textual content string.

      2. Merge Information with Conditional Formatting

      Conditional formatting permits you to apply formatting guidelines primarily based on sure situations. You should utilize conditional formatting to merge information that meets particular standards.

      3. Merge Information Utilizing VBA Macros

      VBA macros are highly effective instruments that let you automate duties in Excel. You should utilize VBA macros to merge information from a number of cells or ranges.

      4. Merge Information with PivotTables

      PivotTables are interactive tables that let you summarize and analyze information. You should utilize PivotTables to merge information from a number of sources.

      5. Merge Information with a Components

      You should utilize a formulation to merge information from a number of cells right into a single cell. For instance, the next formulation merges the contents of cells A1 and B1:

      6. Merge Information Utilizing Flash Fill

      Flash Fill is a function in Excel that means patterns and fills information primarily based in your enter. You should utilize Flash Fill to merge information that follows a constant sample.

      7. Merge Information with Textual content to Columns

      The Textual content to Columns function permits you to convert textual content into columns. You should utilize this function to merge information that’s saved as textual content in a single cell.

      8. Merge Information Utilizing Energy Question

      Energy Question is a robust instrument that permits you to rework and manipulate information. You should utilize Energy Question to merge information from a number of sources.

      9. Merge Information with Energy Pivot

      Energy Pivot is a knowledge modeling instrument that permits you to create information fashions. You should utilize Energy Pivot to merge information from a number of tables.

      How To Merge 2 Columns In Excel

      Merging two columns in Excel is an easy course of that may be accomplished in a number of steps. Listed here are the steps:

      1. Choose the 2 columns that you just wish to merge.
      2. Click on the “Information” tab within the Excel ribbon.
      3. Click on the “Merge & Heart” button within the “Information Instruments” group.
      4. A dialog field will seem. Choose the “Merge Throughout” choice and click on “OK.”

      The 2 columns will now be merged right into a single column. The info from the 2 columns can be concatenated, with an area separating the values.

      Folks additionally ask about How To Merge 2 Columns In Excel

      How do I merge two columns in Excel with out shedding information?

      To merge two columns in Excel with out shedding information, you should use the CONCATENATE operate. The CONCATENATE operate permits you to mix the values from two or extra cells right into a single cell. Listed here are the steps:

      1. Choose a clean cell subsequent to the 2 columns that you just wish to merge.
      2. Sort the next formulation into the cell: =CONCATENATE(A1, ” “, B1)
      3. Press Enter.

      The CONCATENATE operate will mix the values from cells A1 and B1 into the cell that you just chosen. The ” ” character between the 2 cell references is used so as to add an area between the values.

      How do I merge two columns in Excel primarily based on a standard worth?

      To merge two columns in Excel primarily based on a standard worth, you should use the VLOOKUP operate. The VLOOKUP operate permits you to lookup a worth in a single column and return a corresponding worth from one other column. Listed here are the steps:

      1. Choose a clean cell subsequent to the 2 columns that you just wish to merge.
      2. Sort the next formulation into the cell: =VLOOKUP(A1, B:C, 2, FALSE)
      3. Press Enter.

      The VLOOKUP operate will lookup the worth in cell A1 within the vary B:C. If an identical worth is discovered, the VLOOKUP operate will return the worth from the second column within the vary (column C). If an identical worth shouldn’t be discovered, the VLOOKUP operate will return an error.