How to merge three columns in excel

Answer

Merging three columns in Excel combines the content of three separate columns into one column. Excel completes this task through built-in functions or through a menu command that merges cells. Merging cells removes data from all cells except the upper-left one. Merging values preserves all data.

How to Merge Three Columns into One Cell (Cell Merge Command)

Excel merges cells without preserving multiple values. Excel keeps only the value from the upper-left cell. The process is identical on Windows and Mac.

Steps

1. Select the three cells you want to merge.

2. Go to the Home tab.

3. Select Merge & Center from the Alignment group.

4. Open the dropdown and choose Merge Cells.

How to Merge the Values of Three Columns Into One Column (Formula Method)

Merging values preserves all text or numbers from the three columns. Excel completes this task through formulas.

Using the CONCAT Function

The CONCAT function joins text from multiple columns.

$\text{[}=\text{CONCAT}(A2,B2,C2)\text{]}$

Using the Ampersand (&) Operator

The ampersand operator joins text with custom spacing.

$\text{[}=A2\mathrm{\&}""\mathrm{\&}B2\mathrm{\&}""\mathrm{\&}C2\text{]}$

1. Select an empty column where the merged result will appear.

2. Enter one of the formulas shown above.

3. Press Enter.

4. Copy the formula down to merge content from every row.

5. Convert the results to plain text:

   1. Select the column with formulas.

   2. Press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac).

   3. Right-click and choose Paste Values.

How to Merge Three Columns With a Delimiter (Comma, Dash, Space)

Delimiters create a readable combined text.

Example with Commas

$\text{[}=A2\mathrm{\&}""\mathrm{\&}B2\mathrm{\&}""\mathrm{\&}C2\text{]}$

Example with a Dash

$\text{[}=A2\mathrm{\&}"-"\mathrm{\&}B2\mathrm{\&}"-"\mathrm{\&}C2\text{]}$

How to Merge Three Columns Using TEXTJOIN

TEXTJOIN merges columns with a single delimiter and gives control over empty cells.

Formula

$\text{[}=\text{TEXTJOIN}("",\text{TRUE},A2,B2,C2)\text{]}$

Condition Explanation

TRUE ignores empty cells.
FALSE includes empty cells.

When to Use Each Method

1. Use Merge Cells when the goal is one large cell and data from non-primary cells is unnecessary.

2. Use CONCAT or & when the goal is a custom layout or spacing.

3. Use TEXTJOIN for long lists, consistent spacing, or when many cells must be combined.

Yes · 0 No · 0 Add Comment · 0

Add ·

Report