How to Merge Columns in Excel - Practical Guide

Learn to merge columns in Excel by combining data from multiple columns into one. This essential skill streamlines datasets, reduces clutter, and prepares data for reporting. You'll master both simple merging and formula-based concatenation for professional data management.

Why This Matters

Merging columns saves time when consolidating names, addresses, or dates and creates cleaner datasets for analysis and reporting. This skill is critical for data cleaning and preparing information for stakeholders.

Prerequisites

•Basic Excel navigation and cell selection skills
•Understanding of columns and rows
•Familiarity with the Home tab and ribbon menu

Step-by-Step Instructions

Select Columns to Merge

Click on the first column header, then hold Shift and click the last column you want to merge. This selects all adjacent columns containing your data.

Insert a Helper Column

Right-click on the column header after your selected columns and choose Insert to create space for the merged result.

Use CONCATENATE or CONCAT Function

In the new column's first cell, enter =CONCATENATE(A1," ",B1," ",C1) or =A1&" "&B1&" "&C1, adjusting cell references as needed. The space in quotes adds separation between values.

Copy Formula Down

Select the cell with the formula, copy it (Ctrl+C), select the range below, and paste (Ctrl+V) to apply the merge to all rows in your dataset.

Convert to Values and Delete Original Columns

Select the merged column, copy it, right-click, choose Paste Special > Values, then delete the original columns to clean up your spreadsheet.

Alternative Methods

Use Flash Fill (Excel 2013+)

Type the desired merged result in the first cell, then start typing in the second cell. Excel detects the pattern and suggests auto-fill for remaining cells.

Merge Cells Feature

Select cells in Home > Merge & Center to combine cell display. Note: This only shows the first cell's content, not true data merging.

Power Query Method

Use Data > Get & Transform Data > From Table to merge columns with advanced options. This preserves original data and is reversible.

Tips & Tricks

✓Add delimiters (spaces, commas, hyphens) between values using quotes in your formula for readability.
✓Always create formulas in a new column before deleting original data to avoid accidental loss.
✓Use Paste Special > Values to convert formulas to static text before deleting source columns.

Pro Tips

★Combine CONCATENATE with TRIM to remove extra spaces: =TRIM(CONCATENATE(A1," ",B1))
★Use the ampersand operator (&) instead of CONCATENATE for faster processing on large datasets.
★For phone numbers or formatted data, wrap merged results with TEXT function for consistent formatting.

Troubleshooting

Formula returns #REF! error

This indicates a broken cell reference. Check that all cell references in your formula exist and haven't been deleted. Rewrite the formula with correct cell addresses.

Merged result appears in wrong column

Verify you inserted the helper column in the correct position. Delete and reinsert the column in the desired location, then reapply formulas.

Extra spaces appear in merged data

Use TRIM function to remove leading/trailing spaces: =TRIM(A1&" "&B1). This cleans unwanted whitespace automatically.

Related Excel Formulas

CONCATENATE CONCAT TEXTJOIN TRIM TEXT

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I merge columns without using a formula?

Yes, Flash Fill (available in Excel 2013 and later) allows you to demonstrate a pattern by typing examples, and Excel suggests auto-completing the rest. However, formulas provide more control and flexibility.

Does merging cells delete data?

The Merge Cells feature only displays the first cell's content. True data merging using formulas preserves all data in a new column, then you can safely delete originals after converting to values.

How do I reverse a merge?

If you used formulas, restore original columns from a backup. If using Merge Cells feature (Home > Merge & Center), select merged cells and click Merge & Center again to unmerge. For Power Query, refresh or edit the query to exclude the merge step.

What's the difference between CONCATENATE and CONCAT?

CONCATENATE is older syntax requiring individual cell references. CONCAT (Excel 365+) accepts cell ranges and is more efficient for large datasets. The ampersand operator (&) is fastest for simple merges.