How to merge data in two cells in excel

Answer

To merge data in two cells in Excel, multiple methods depend on whether you want to combine the content or combine the cells themselves.

1. Merging Content of Two Cells (Without Losing Data)

A cell can combine the content of two or more cells using formulas. This method preserves all data.

Using the CONCATENATE Function

1. Select the cell where you want the merged result.

2. Enter the formula:

   =CONCATENATE(A1, B1)

   This combines the contents of cell A1 and B1 directly.

3. Add a space or separator between values if needed:

   =CONCATENATE(A1, " ", B1)

   This will display the merged result as ValueFromA1 ValueFromB1.

Using the & Operator

1. Select the cell for the merged result.

2. Enter the formula:

   =A1 & B1

3. Add a separator if needed:

   =A1 & " " & B1

   The & operator is simpler and widely preferred over CONCATENATE.

Using the TEXTJOIN Function (Excel 2016 or Later)

1. Select the result cell.

2. Enter the formula:

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

   This combines values from multiple cells with a separator (space in this case) and ignores blank cells automatically.

2. Merging the Cells Themselves (Without Preserving Data)

This method combines two or more cells into one larger cell. Only the top-left cell content remains; other data is deleted.

Steps to Merge Cells

1. Select the cells you want to merge.

2. Go to the Home tab on the ribbon.

3. Click Merge & Center.

Options under Merge & Center:

• Merge & Center – merges selected cells and centers the content.

• Merge Across – merges selected cells in each row individually.

• Merge Cells – merges selected cells without centering.

• Unmerge Cells – separates previously merged cells.

Note: Windows and Mac versions of Excel have the same process for merging cells.

3. Recommended Approach

• Use formulas if you want to retain both cells’ content.

• Use Merge & Center only if you want a single cell for layout or formatting purposes, not for combining data.

Yes · 0 No · 0 Add Comment · 0

Add ·

Report