Combining text from two columns in Excel is a common task—whether you’re organizing customer lists, preparing reports, or formatting data for import. The good news? Excel gives you several quick and flexible ways to merge text without losing information.

In this guide, you’ll learn multiple methods to combine text columns, from simple formulas to powerful new Excel functions. Each method includes clear examples, making it easy for beginners and useful for advanced users.

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Why Combine Text Columns in Excel?

You may need to merge text for tasks like:

• Creating full names from “First Name” and “Last Name” columns

• Building product codes

• Combining addresses into one clean line

• Formatting data before exporting to another system

Regardless of the purpose, Excel provides more than one solution—so you can choose the method that fits your workflow.

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Method 1: Use the Ampersand (&) Operator

This is the easiest and most flexible method for beginners.

Formula:

How it works:

• A2 is your first column

• B2 is your second column

• " " adds a space between them

Example:

If A2 = John and B2 = Doe, the result becomes:
John Doe

You can replace the space with any text, like a dash, comma, or slash.

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Method 2: Use the CONCAT Function (Modern Excel)

CONCAT is the updated version of the old CONCATENATE function.

Formula:

Why use it?

• Cleaner syntax than &

• Works well when combining many text elements

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Method 3: Use TEXTJOIN for Multiple Columns

If you need to merge more than two columns—or include separators automatically—TEXTJOIN is the best option.

Formula:

Arguments:

• " " = separator

• TRUE = ignore empty cells

• A2, B2 = columns you want to merge

Why it’s powerful:

• Automatically skips blank cells

• Perfect for combining 3, 4, or even 10 columns

• Gives clean, tidy results every time

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Method 4: Combine Text Columns Using Power Query

For large datasets, Power Query is extremely efficient.

Steps:

1. Select your data → Data tab

2. Click From Table/Range

3. In Power Query Editor, select the two columns

4. Right-click → Merge Columns

5. Choose your separator (space, comma, dash, etc.)

6. Click Close & Load

This method is excellent for automated workflows and recurring data tasks.

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Method 5: Flash Fill (Fast, No Formula Needed)

Flash Fill predicts patterns and fills the remaining cells automatically.

Steps:

1. In a new column, manually type the combined result of the first row

2. Press Ctrl + E

3. Excel instantly fills the rest

Example:
Type John Doe in C2 → press Ctrl + E → the rest auto-fills.

This is great for one-time tasks.

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Bonus Tips for Clean Results

✔ Add commas or custom separators

✔ Trim extra spaces

✔ Convert formulas to static text

1. Copy the combined column

2. Right-click → Paste Special → Values

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Final Thoughts

Combining two text columns in Excel is simple once you know the right tools. Whether you prefer using formulas, Flash Fill, or Power Query, Excel gives you reliable ways to merge text cleanly and efficiently.

If you’re managing names, addresses, product IDs, or any structured data, these methods will help you create clean, organized, professional-looking spreadsheets.