Sign In
Merging adjacent columns in Excel is a common task when working with data. This simple tutorial will show you how to merge two columns into one using a simple formula. In this example the first and last names are separated into two individual columns. Let's say you want to create a single Full Name column by combining the two together. To combine first and last names, use the CONCATENATE function.
First you need to create a new column where the first and last name will be merged. Start by selecting a column by clicking on the column header (A, B, C).
Right click on the selected column and choose Insert from the menu. This will insert a new column to the left of the first name column.
After a new column is inserted, select the first cell of the new column and type in the header "Full Name".
Next you will need to write a small formula that combines the two columns (first and last name) together. Select the first cell in the new "Full Name" column.
Use the concatenate formula to merge the first and last name together. Do this by writing a concatenation formula. All formulas start with an equal sign (=).
The formula will merge the first and last name from B2 and C2 into the cell where you entered the formula.
Now you need to copy the formula to the other cells in the "Full Name" column. Select the cell where the new value is listed.
Click and drag the handle (indicated by a cross at the bottom right corner of the selected cell) down to select the remaining column of listings.
The formula is copied to the remaining cells in the "Full Name" column and the values are automatically calculated. In this case, the first and last names are merged together into one cell.
After the first and last names have been merged into the "Full Name" column, you will need to replace the formula with the actual values from the merge. With the cells still selected, right click on the column and choose "Copy" from the menu.
Again, with the column still selected, right click on your mouse and choose "Paste Special" from the menu.
From the Paste Special dialog box, make sure "Values" is checked from the paste menu. This will make sure that the values are pasted into the cells.
Congratulations! You have merged columns. Use this simple process to merge any number of columns that you need.