In the realm of data organization and analysis, efficiently combining text from two columns often arises as a crucial task in Google Sheets. Whether you aim to create unique lists, merge data sets, or simply streamline your workflows, the ability to combine text in two columns proves invaluable.
How to Combine Text in Two Columns in Google Sheets
There are several methods to achieve this objective, each offering its own advantages and limitations. We will delve into the three most commonly used techniques:
- Using the CONCATENATE Function
- Using the & Operator
- Using the TEXTJOIN Function
How to Combine Text in Two Columns in Google Sheets
Combining text from two columns in Google Sheets is a common task for organizing and manipulating data. This can be achieved in various ways, depending on your specific needs.
Method 1: Using the CONCATENATE Function
The CONCATENATE function combines text from multiple cells into a single string.
**Step 1: Select the cell** where you want to display the combined text.
**Step 2: Type the following formula:**
“`
=CONCATENATE(Column1, ” “, Column2)
“`
* Replace “Column1” and “Column2″ with the actual column references containing the text you want to combine.
* The ” ” (space) separates the two columns. (See Also: How To Import A Table From A Website Into Google Sheets)
**Step 3: Press Enter.**
Method 2: Using the & Operator
The & operator also combines text from multiple cells.
**Step 1: Select the cell** where you want to display the combined text.
**Step 2: Type the following formula:**
“`
=Column1 & ” ” & Column2
“`
* Replace “Column1” and “Column2″ with the actual column references containing the text you want to combine.
* The ” ” (space) separates the two columns.
**Step 3: Press Enter.**
Method 3: Using the TEXTJOIN Function (For Google Sheets Version 9 and later)
The TEXTJOIN function combines text from multiple ranges into a single string. (See Also: How To Make Borders In Google Sheets)
**Step 1: Select the cell** where you want to display the combined text.
**Step 2: Type the following formula:**
“`
=TEXTJOIN(” “, TRUE, Column1:Column2)
“`
* Replace “Column1” and “Column2″ with the actual column references containing the text you want to combine.
* The ” ” (space) separates the two columns.
* The `TRUE` argument tells the function to ignore empty cells.
Key Points:
– Choose the method that best suits your needs.
– Use the CONCATENATE function for simple text combinations.
– Use the & operator for a more concise syntax.
– Use the TEXTJOIN function for more complex combinations and to ignore empty cells.
**Recap:**
Combining text from two columns in Google Sheets is a straightforward process. By utilizing the CONCATENATE function, the & operator, or the TEXTJOIN function, you can easily unite text from multiple cells into a single cohesive string.
How To Combine Text In Two Columns In Google Sheets
How do I combine text from two columns into a single column?
Use the CONCATENATE function. In the function, list both columns you want to combine, separated by a comma. For example, to combine text from columns A and B, use the following formula: =CONCATENATE(A2, “, “, B2).
How do I combine text and keep the formatting?
Use the & operator to combine text and keep the formatting. For example, to combine the text in cells A2 and B2, use the following formula: =A2 & ” ” & B2.
How do I combine text and add a separator between the values?
Use the JOIN function. In the function, list both columns you want to combine, and specify the separator you want to use. For example, to combine text from columns A and B and separate them with a semicolon, use the following formula: =JOIN(“; “, A2:B2)
How do I combine text from multiple columns into a single cell?
Use the CONCATENATE function or the & operator to combine text from multiple columns into a single cell. Simply list all the columns you want to combine inside the function or use the & operator to combine them.
How do I combine text and remove duplicates?
Use the UNIQUE function to combine text and remove duplicates. For example, to combine text from columns A and B and remove any duplicates, use the following formula: =UNIQUE(A2:B2)