# Google Sheets CONCAT Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips - URL: https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/concat-function - Author: Better Analyst Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account, more powerful analysis.Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account and workflows, with more powerful analysis, dashboards, and automation. [Learn what changed](https://betteranalyst.com/formula-bot-is-now-better-analyst) Joins two values together into a single text string. ``` =CONCAT(value1, value2) ``` Generate FormulaExplain Formula One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward. Describe the CONCAT you need in plain EnglishGenerate Formula ## Parameters | Parameter | Required | Description | | - | - | - | | **value1** | Yes | The first value. Can be text, a number, or a cell reference. | | **value2** | Yes | The value to attach to the end of **value1**. | ## What Is CONCAT? CONCAT joins two values end to end and returns the result as text. `=CONCAT("Better", "Analyst")` returns `BetterAnalyst`. It is the function equivalent of the ampersand operator: `=A1&B1` and `=CONCAT(A1, B1)` produce the same result. An important difference from Microsoft Excel: in Google Sheets, **CONCAT accepts only two arguments**. Excel's CONCAT can take many values and whole ranges. If you are moving a workbook from Excel, formulas such as `=CONCAT(A1, B1, C1)` will need to be rewritten in Sheets using CONCATENATE, TEXTJOIN, or `&`. ## How CONCAT Works CONCAT reads both arguments, converts any numbers to text, and places **value2** immediately after **value1**. It does not add spaces or separators. If you want a space between the two pieces, you need to include it yourself, for example by concatenating a space onto one side first. ## Basic Examples ### Join two cells ``` =CONCAT(A2, B2) ``` If A2 is `Jane` and B2 is `Doe`, the result is `JaneDoe`. ### Add a prefix to a code ``` =CONCAT("SKU-", A2) ``` If A2 contains 1042, the result is `SKU-1042`. ### Include a space between two values ``` =CONCAT(A2&" ", B2) ``` Returns `Jane Doe`. The space is attached to the first value with `&`. ### Join a label and a number ``` =CONCAT("Total: ", SUM(C2:C20)) ``` Combines a label with a calculated total, for example `Total: 4820`. ## Numbers and Dates in CONCAT CONCAT converts numbers to text using their underlying value, not their displayed format. A date in A2 will appear as a serial number such as `45900`, and a currency value loses its currency symbol. Use TEXT to control the format: ``` =CONCAT("Due ", TEXT(A2, "mmm d, yyyy")) ``` Returns something like `Due Oct 26, 2026`. ## CONCAT vs. CONCATENATE vs. & vs. TEXTJOIN | Option | Number of inputs | Accepts ranges | Adds separators | | - | - | - | - | | CONCAT | Exactly 2 | No | No | | CONCATENATE | Many | Yes | No | | `&` operator | Chainable | No | No | | TEXTJOIN | Many | Yes | Yes, plus option to skip blanks | For two pieces, CONCAT is fine. For three or more, `&` or CONCATENATE is simpler, and for joining a list with commas TEXTJOIN is the best choice. ## Joining Whole Columns Wrap CONCAT in ARRAYFORMULA to build a combined value for every row: ``` =ARRAYFORMULA(IF(A2:A="", "", CONCAT(A2:A, B2:B))) ``` This joins columns A and B row by row and leaves empty rows blank. ## Common Use Cases - **Building IDs**: a prefix plus a number, such as `INV-` and an invoice number - **Lookup keys**: combining two fields into one key for VLOOKUP or MATCH - **Labels**: a caption plus a calculated value for a dashboard - **URLs**: a base URL plus a page path or parameter ## Common Errors - **Too many arguments**: `=CONCAT(A1, B1, C1)` fails in Google Sheets. Use `=A1&B1&C1` or CONCATENATE. - **Missing spaces**: CONCAT never adds a separator, so names run together unless you add one. - **Unexpected numbers for dates**: Wrap dates and formatted numbers in TEXT. - **Ranges as arguments**: `=CONCAT(A1:A5, "x")` does not join the whole range in a normal cell. Use TEXTJOIN for a list. ## Tips and Best Practices - The result is always text, even if it looks like a number. Wrap it in VALUE if you need a number back. - To join with a condition, combine with [IF](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/if-function), for example `=IF(B2="", A2, CONCAT(A2&" ", B2))`. - Trim stray spaces from source data with TRIM before joining. ## Related Functions - [ADD](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/add-function): another two-argument operator function, for numbers - [IF](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/if-function): join values only when a condition is met - [CONVERT](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/convert-function): convert a measurement before labelling it ## Example use case An operations manager has order numbers in column A and wants each one shown with an "ORD-" prefix for a customer export. =CONCAT("ORD-", A2) turns 5531 into ORD-5531, and copying the formula down labels every order. ## Need more help with Google Sheets formulas? Sign up for Better Analyst and get unlimited AI-powered formula generation, explanations, and advanced data analysis. [Create Free Account](https://betteranalyst.com/signup)[Try Formula Generator](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) ## Google Sheets how-to guides - [How To Insert Checkbox In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-insert-checkbox-in-google-sheets) - [How To Insert Multiple Rows In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-insert-multiple-rows-in-google-sheets) - [How To Lock A Row In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-lock-a-row-in-google-sheets) - [How To Lock Cells In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-lock-cells-in-google-sheets) - [How To Make A Copy Of An Google Sheets Sheet](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-copy-of-an-google-sheets-sheet) - [How To Make A Graph In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-graph-in-google-sheets) - [How To Make A Histogram In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-histogram-in-google-sheets) - [How To Make A Line Graph In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-line-graph-in-google-sheets) ## Explore all Google Sheets formulas Browse our complete library of Google Sheets formula guides Compare your options ## Decide with evidence, not a sales pitch. 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