If you’re looking to combine or merge text, values, or data from multiple cells in Excel, there isn’t a built-in “COMBINE” function — but don’t worry! 🔗 Excel offers several powerful functions like TEXTJOIN, CONCAT, and & (ampersand operator) that allow you to combine data effortlessly. This guide will show you how to combine values in Excel like a pro, including practical examples and keyboard shortcuts for Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu/Linux. ✅
🧠 Why Combine Data in Excel?
Combining data is essential when you need to:
- 🧾 Merge first and last names
- 📋 Create mailing lists
- 🏢 Build addresses from multiple fields
- 💼 Create product SKUs
- 📊 Format readable output for reports
💡 Combining values helps you keep your data clean, consistent, and presentation-ready.
✅ Method 1: Use the Ampersand (&) Operator
Simple and versatile, the & operator lets you concatenate (combine) cell values:
=A2 & " " & B2
✅ Combines a first name and last name with a space in between.
📌 Use quotes " " to add spaces, commas, or custom text.
✅ Method 2: Use the CONCAT Function
=CONCAT(A2, " ", B2)
✅ Same result as using &, but with improved readability.
📢 CONCAT replaces the older CONCATENATE function and is more efficient.
✅ Method 3: Use TEXTJOIN for Flexible Delimiters
=TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A2, B2)
- First argument: delimiter (e.g.,
" "for space) - Second argument:
TRUEignores empty cells - Then list all cells or ranges to join
🎯 Best choice for combining long lists or ignoring blanks!
✅ Example: Combine Full Address
=TEXTJOIN(", ", TRUE, A2, B2, C2, D2)
✅ Combines street, city, state, and zip into one clean line!
📋 Function Comparison Table
| Function | Best For | Handles Blanks | Custom Delimiters |
|---|---|---|---|
& | Quick formulas | No | Manual |
CONCAT | Simple, readable concatenation | No | Manual |
TEXTJOIN | Advanced, cleaner output | Yes | Yes ✅ |
⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts to Boost Combining Efficiency
| Action | Windows | macOS | Ubuntu/Linux (LibreOffice Calc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start formula | = | = | = |
| Auto-complete function name | Tab after typing TEXTJOIN/CONCAT | Tab after typing | Tab |
| Edit active cell | F2 | Ctrl + U | F2 |
| Fill formula down | Ctrl + D | Cmd + D | Ctrl + D |
| Insert line break in formula | Alt + Enter | Ctrl + Option + Return | Ctrl + Enter |
📌 Pro Tip: Use Alt + Enter when combining text with CHAR(10) for multiline formatting inside a single cell.
🐧 Combine Values in LibreOffice Calc (Ubuntu/Linux)
LibreOffice Calc supports:
TEXTJOIN: ✅CONCAT: ✅&operator: ✅
Example:
=TEXTJOIN(" "; TRUE; A2; B2)
📢 Remember to use semicolons (;) instead of commas if your system locale requires it.
🔄 Real-World Applications for Combining Data
| Use Case | Example Output |
|---|---|
| Contact list creation | “Jane Doe, jane.doe@example.com“ |
| CRM records | Combine title, name, department |
| Data exports | Merge values into one summary string |
| Event planning | Format guest + table assignment |
| Reporting | Concatenate categories with numbers |
🎯 Combining functions enhance clarity, automation, and productivity!
🧯 Common Issues and How to Fix Them
| Issue | Cause & Solution |
|---|---|
#NAME? error | Function misspelled or unavailable in older Excel versions |
| Extra spaces or commas | Use TRIM() or TEXTJOIN to handle spacing correctly |
| Empty cells causing gaps | Use TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, ...) to ignore blanks |
| Function not recognized | Upgrade Excel to 2016+ for TEXTJOIN and CONCAT |
| Formula too long | Break into helper columns or use shorter ranges |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Excel have a COMBINE function?
No, but you can combine values using &, CONCAT, or TEXTJOIN.
Which is better: CONCAT or TEXTJOIN?
TEXTJOIN is more powerful, especially when handling blank cells and delimiters.
Can I combine numbers and text in Excel?
Yes — Excel automatically converts numbers to text when combining.
How do I add line breaks between combined text?
Use CHAR(10) with & or TEXTJOIN, and enable Wrap Text in the cell format.
Is TEXTJOIN available in all Excel versions?
No — it’s available in Excel 2016 and later. Use & or CONCATENATE in older versions.
✅ Conclusion: Master Excel Data Combining Like a Pro
Although there’s no literal “combine” function in Excel, tools like TEXTJOIN, CONCAT, and the & operator make it easy to merge data across columns and cells — whether you’re creating addresses, reports, or organized summaries. 🔗 With these tools and shortcuts in your arsenal, you’ll work smarter across Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu/Linux.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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