How to Merge Two Columns in Excel Easily

Need to combine data from two columns in Excel? The easiest way is to use formulas like =A1 & " " & B1 with the Ampersand (&) or =CONCAT(A1, " ", B1) for CONCAT/CONCATENATE. Add separators such as spaces or commas within quotes, drag the formula down, and then copy-paste as values to make it permanent. For advanced scenarios, tools like Flash Fill or Power Query can automate the process, but formulas remain the best choice for standard data merging. 

In this guide, you’ll learn the best methods to merge two columns in excel, step-by-step instructions for merging without losing data, how to merge columns without formulas, common errors and fixes, and practical examples for real-world use cases. 

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What Does Merging Two Columns Mean in Excel? 

Merging two columns in Excel refers to combining the data from two separate columns into a single column without losing any information. This is different from simply merging cells, which often results in data loss. Instead, merging columns ensures that the contents of both columns are preserved and displayed together. 

Merging vs. Combining Data 

• Merging cells: Joins two or more cells into one but keeps only the top-left cell’s data, causing data loss. 
• Combining data: Uses formulas or tools to join the text or values from multiple columns into one cell without deleting any information. 

Common Use Cases 

• Combining first and last names into a single column for better formatting. 
• Merging address components like street, city, and state for mailing lists. 
• Creating full product descriptions by joining category and item names. 

This process is essential when you need clean, consolidated data for reporting or exporting without manual copy-pasting. 

Methods to Merge Two Columns in Excel 

There are multiple ways to merge two columns in Excel without losing data. These methods use formulas or built-in functions to combine text or values efficiently. 

1. Using CONCATENATE Function 

The CONCATENATE function joins text from different cells into one. 
Syntax: 

=CONCATENATE(text1, text2, ...) 

Example: 
If column A has first names and column B has last names: 

=CONCATENATE(A2, " ", B2) 

This adds a space between the names. 

2. Using TEXTJOIN (Excel 2016 and Later) 

TEXTJOIN is more flexible and allows you to specify a delimiter. 
Syntax: 

=TEXTJOIN(delimiter, ignore_empty, text1, text2, ...) 

Example: 

=TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A2, B2) 

This merges names with a space and ignores empty cells. 

3. Using Ampersand (&) 

The simplest method is using & to combine values. 
Example: 

=A2 & " " & B2 

This works like CONCATENATE but is quicker for small datasets. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Merge Columns Without Losing Data 

When you merge two columns in Excel, the goal is to combine data without losing any information. Follow these steps: 

Step 1: Select the Cells 

Identify the two columns you want to merge. For example, Column A contains first names and Column B contains last names. 

Step 2: Apply the Formula 

Use one of these formulas in a new column: 

• Using Ampersand (&): 

=A2 & " " & B2 

This adds a space between the two values. 

• Using CONCATENATE: 

=CONCATENATE(A2, " ", B2) 
 

• Using TEXTJOIN (Excel 2016+): 

=TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A2, B2) 

Step 3: Handle Spaces and Separators 

Always include " " or a custom delimiter like ", " to separate values clearly. For example: 

=A2 & ", " & B2 

Step 4: Copy and Paste as Values 

After applying the formula, copy the merged column and paste it as Values to remove the formula and keep the combined text. 

How to Merge Columns Without Formulas 

If you prefer not to use formulas, Excel offers built-in tools to merge columns quickly and efficiently. 

1. Using Flash Fill 

Flash Fill automatically detects patterns and fills data accordingly. 
Steps: 

1. In a new column, type the combined value for the first row (e.g., John Smith). 
2. Press Enter, then go to Data > Flash Fill or use Ctrl + E. 
3. Excel will auto-fill the remaining rows based on the pattern. 

Best for: Simple merges like first and last names. 

2. Using Power Query 

Power Query is ideal for large datasets and advanced transformations. 
Steps: 

1. Select your data range and go to Data > Get & Transform > From Table/Range. 
2. In Power Query Editor, select the columns you want to merge. 
3. Click Merge Columns, choose a separator (space, comma, etc.), and confirm. 
4. Load the transformed data back into Excel. 

Best for: Complex merges with multiple columns and custom delimiters. 

Common Errors and How to Fix Them 

While merging two columns in Excel, you might encounter some common issues. Here’s how to resolve them: 

1. #VALUE! Error 

Cause: Occurs when one of the cells contains an invalid reference or incompatible data type. 
Fix: 

• Check for blank cells or errors in the source columns. 
• Use IFERROR to handle errors gracefully: 

=IFERROR(A2 & " " & B2, "") 
 

2. Missing Spaces Between Merged Data 

Cause: Forgetting to add a delimiter in the formula. 
Fix: 

• Include " " or ", " in your formula: 

=A2 & " " & B2 

or 

=TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A2, B2) 

3. Data Loss Issues 

Cause: Using Merge Cells instead of combining data. This keeps only the top-left cell’s value. 
Fix: 

• Avoid using Merge Cells for data merging. 
• Use formulas like &, CONCATENATE, or TEXTJOIN to preserve all data. 

Practical Examples of Merging Columns 

Merging columns is often needed for organizing data. Here are some real-world examples: 

1. Combining First and Last Names 

If Column A has first names and Column B has last names: 

=A2 & " " & B2 

Result: John Smith 

2. Merging City and State 

If Column A has city names and Column B has states: 

=A2 & ", " & B2 

Result: New York, NY 

3. Creating Full Addresses 

If Column A has street, Column B has city, and Column C has state: 

=TEXTJOIN(", ", TRUE, A2, B2, C2) 

Result: 123 Main Street, New York, NY 

These examples help you format data for mailing lists, reports, or exports without manual effort. 

Conclusion 

Merging two columns in Excel is a simple yet powerful way to organize and present data effectively. Whether you use formulas like CONCATENATE, TEXTJOIN, or tools like Flash Fill and Power Query, the key is to preserve all information without losing data. With these methods and tips, you can streamline your workflow and create clean, professional spreadsheets effortlessly.