7 Simple Ways To Combine Two Columns In Sheets

Combining two columns in Google Sheets might seem like a daunting task at first, but it’s incredibly easy once you know the right techniques! Whether you’re merging first names with last names, or combining two lists into one, there are several methods to do this efficiently. In this post, I’ll share 7 simple ways to combine two columns in Google Sheets, along with helpful tips, common mistakes to avoid, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s dive right in!

1. Using the CONCATENATE Function

The CONCATENATE function is a classic way to merge two columns. To use it, follow these steps:

1. Click on the cell where you want the combined data to appear.
2. Type =CONCATENATE( and then select the first cell and the second cell you want to combine, separated by a comma.
3. Close the parentheses and hit Enter.

Example:

If you have "John" in cell A1 and "Doe" in B1, enter:

=CONCATENATE(A1, " ", B1)

This will give you "John Doe" in the selected cell.

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">This method works great for simple combinations, but if you're looking for more flexibility, consider using other methods like the & operator!</p>

2. Using the Ampersand (&) Operator

The ampersand operator (&) is a quick and easy way to combine columns without needing to use a function. Here's how:

1. Click on the cell where you want the output.
2. Type = followed by the first cell, the &, and then the second cell. Don't forget to add quotation marks for any spaces or punctuation.

Example:

Using the same data as before:

=A1 & " " & B1

This will also give you "John Doe".

3. Using the JOIN Function

For more extensive lists or when you want to add a delimiter, the JOIN function is a great option. It works well to merge multiple cells into one cell.

1. Click on your desired cell.
2. Enter the function as follows:

=JOIN(" ", A1:B1)

This combines the contents of A1 and B1 with a space in between.

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">The JOIN function is very flexible, so you can change the delimiter to a comma or any other character as needed!</p>

4. Using ARRAYFORMULA for Large Datasets

If you’re working with a larger dataset and want to avoid dragging the formula down, ARRAYFORMULA can be a lifesaver.

1. Click on the cell where you want to display the combined data.
2. Type the following formula:

=ARRAYFORMULA(A1:A & " " & B1:B)

This will combine all rows in columns A and B.

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">Make sure your target cell is in a column that is empty to avoid overwriting existing data!</p>

5. Using TextJoin Function

Another great function for combining text is TEXTJOIN, especially if you need to skip empty cells.

1. Select the cell where you want to see the combined text.
2. Use the following formula:

=TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A1:B1)

This will merge A1 and B1 with a space, ignoring any empty cells.

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">This function allows you to select multiple ranges and specify whether to ignore empty cells, making it incredibly versatile!</p>

6. Merging Cells Directly

Sometimes, you just want to visually combine two cells. In this case, you can merge cells directly. Just remember that this will not combine the content – it will just make it look unified.

1. Highlight the cells you want to merge.
2. Right-click and select "Merge cells".

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">This method is purely visual! If you want to keep the data intact and visible, use one of the previous methods!</p>

7. Using Google Apps Script for Advanced Users

For those who are a bit more tech-savvy, Google Apps Script offers a way to automate the combining of columns with a custom script.

1. Go to Extensions -> Apps Script.
2. Use the following script:

function combineColumns() {
  var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();
  var range = sheet.getRange("A1:A" + sheet.getLastRow());
  var values = range.getValues();
  
  for (var i = 0; i < values.length; i++) {
    values[i][0] = values[i][0] + " " + sheet.getRange("B" + (i + 1)).getValue();
  }
  
  sheet.getRange("C1:C" + values.length).setValues(values);
}

3. Save and run the script to combine the two columns into a new one.

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">Using Google Apps Script can greatly increase efficiency, especially when working with very large datasets!</p>

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not including spaces: Always remember to add a space or punctuation where needed to make the combined text readable.
• Overwriting data: Ensure that the destination cell is empty before applying formulas.
• Using the wrong data types: Make sure you are combining text with text and numbers with numbers to avoid errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I combine more than two columns?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes! You can use any of the above methods to combine more than two columns by adding more references or ranges.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Will the original data still be available after combining?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, the original data remains intact unless you explicitly overwrite it. Make sure to paste combined data into a new column!</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if I want to add a delimiter like a comma?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can easily add a delimiter by using the JOIN or TEXTJOIN functions, where you specify the delimiter as the first argument.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I automate this process for large data sets?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes! Using Google Apps Script, you can automate the merging of columns across large datasets.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Combining two columns in Google Sheets is not just a skill; it’s an essential technique that can save you time and make your data easier to read. Whether you opt for formulas, the ampersand, or even Google Apps Script, having these methods under your belt can streamline your workflow. Practice these techniques, explore additional tutorials, and soon you'll be a pro at managing data in Google Sheets!

<p class="pro-note">✨Pro Tip: Always double-check your combined output to ensure there are no unexpected spaces or errors!</p>