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Dear TLT: How do I Combine Text from Two Columns into One (in Excel)?

Dear TLT,

I’m working with a rather complex data set, and I need to combine text from two separate columns into one.  Is that possible?

Sincerely,

Professor James Moriarty
Mathematics

Dear Professor Moriarty,

While it is not “elementary,” as some might say, it is definitely possible!  To get started, click on the first (empty) cell in the new column (C2 in the example below).

Screenshot_12_17_15__2_40_PM

Click on Formulas > Insert > Text > CONCATENATE.

Screenshot_12_17_15__3_09_PM

Click on cell A2 then type [, space“,].  Click on cell B2 and press enter.

Screenshot_12_17_15__3_11_PM

Cell C2 should now include text from cells A2 and B2, but not R2D2 🙂

Screenshot_12_17_15__3_13_PM

Use the fill handle to copy the formula to the rest of the cells in the new column.

Screenshot_12_17_15__3_14_PM

Please contact your instructional technologist, if you have additional questions or concerns, and check out our upcoming training sessions at http://tlt.eventbrite.com.

Best regards,

TLT

 

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