How to Put Two Cells Together in Google Sheets? Easily Merge

When working with data in Google Sheets, combining cells to create a new value or text is a common task. Whether you’re trying to merge two cells with the same data, concatenate text from multiple cells, or perform more complex calculations, knowing how to put two cells together is an essential skill for any Google Sheets user. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various ways to combine cells in Google Sheets, including the different types of merges, concatenation methods, and formulas you can use to achieve your desired outcome.

Merging Cells in Google Sheets

Merging cells is the process of combining the contents of two or more cells into a single cell. This can be done using the built-in merge feature in Google Sheets, which allows you to combine cells horizontally, vertically, or both. Here are the steps to merge cells in Google Sheets:

1. Select the cells you want to merge by holding down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (Mac) while clicking on each cell.
2. Right-click on one of the selected cells and choose “Merge cells” from the context menu.
3. Choose the merge type from the “Merge cells” dialog box:
• Horizontal: Merges cells in the same row.
• Vertical: Merges cells in the same column.
• Both: Merges cells in both the same row and column.
4. Click “Merge” to combine the cells.

Types of Merges

There are three types of merges you can perform in Google Sheets:

Concatenating Text in Google Sheets

Concatenation is the process of combining multiple text strings into a single text string. In Google Sheets, you can use the CONCATENATE function or the ampersand (&) operator to concatenate text. Here are the steps to concatenate text in Google Sheets:

1. Enter the first text string in a cell.
2. Enter the ampersand (&) operator followed by the second text string in the same cell.
3. Repeat step 2 for each additional text string you want to concatenate.
4. Press Enter to apply the formula.

Using the CONCATENATE Function

The CONCATENATE function is a more advanced way to concatenate text in Google Sheets. Here’s how to use it:

1. Enter the CONCATENATE function in a cell, followed by the text strings you want to concatenate, separated by commas.
2. Press Enter to apply the formula.

Example:

CONCATENATE(A1, " ", B1)

This formula concatenates the text in cells A1 and B1, separated by a space.

Using Formulas to Combine Cells

Formulas are a powerful way to combine cells in Google Sheets. Here are some common formulas you can use: (See Also: How to Change Sig Figs in Google Sheets? Easily)

Using the & Operator

The & operator is used to concatenate text strings. Here’s an example:

A1 & " " & B1

This formula concatenates the text in cells A1 and B1, separated by a space.

Using the CONCAT Function

The CONCAT function is similar to the CONCATENATE function, but it’s more flexible and can handle multiple text strings. Here’s an example:

CONCAT(A1, " ", B1, " ", C1)

This formula concatenates the text in cells A1, B1, and C1, separated by spaces. (See Also: How to Group Cells on Google Sheets? Easily Simplified)

Using the TEXTJOIN Function

The TEXTJOIN function is a new function in Google Sheets that allows you to concatenate text strings based on a delimiter. Here’s an example:

TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A1:A10)

This formula concatenates the text in cells A1:A10, separated by spaces.

Best Practices for Combining Cells in Google Sheets

When combining cells in Google Sheets, it’s important to follow best practices to ensure accurate and efficient results. Here are some tips:

1. Use the correct merge type: Make sure to choose the correct merge type (horizontal, vertical, or both) to combine cells correctly.
2. Use the correct delimiter: When concatenating text, use the correct delimiter (such as a space or comma) to separate the text strings.
3. Use formulas carefully: Formulas can be powerful, but they can also be complex and prone to errors. Make sure to test your formulas carefully before applying them to your data.
4. Use formatting options: Use formatting options, such as alignment and font styles, to make your combined cells look professional and easy to read.

Conclusion

Combining cells in Google Sheets is a powerful way to manipulate and analyze data. By using the built-in merge feature, concatenation methods, and formulas, you can create new text strings, combine data from multiple cells, and perform complex calculations. Remember to follow best practices and test your formulas carefully to ensure accurate and efficient results. With practice and patience, you’ll become a master of combining cells in Google Sheets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I undo a merge in Google Sheets?

A: To undo a merge in Google Sheets, select the merged cell and go to the “Edit” menu, then click “Undo” or press Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Command+Z (Mac). This will restore the original cells and their contents.

Q: Can I merge cells across multiple sheets?

A: No, you cannot merge cells across multiple sheets in Google Sheets. Merging cells is limited to the same sheet only.

Q: How do I concatenate text from multiple columns?

A: To concatenate text from multiple columns, use the CONCATENATE function or the ampersand (&) operator. For example, if you want to concatenate the text in columns A, B, and C, you can use the formula: CONCATENATE(A1, " ", B1, " ", C1) or A1 & " " & B1 & " " & C1.

Q: Can I use formulas to combine cells with different data types?

A: Yes, you can use formulas to combine cells with different data types, such as text and numbers. For example, you can use the CONCATENATE function to combine text and numbers, or use the TEXT function to convert numbers to text.

Q: How do I merge cells with different formatting?

A: When merging cells with different formatting, the formatting of the top-left cell will be applied to the merged cell. If you want to preserve the formatting of the original cells, you can use the “Paste special” option and select “Formats” to apply the formatting of the original cells to the merged cell.