Google Sheets CONCATENATE Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips

The CONCATENATE function combines multiple text strings into one string, allowing for the creation of longer text entries in a cell.
Google Sheets
CONCATENATE(string1, [string2, ...])

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On this page
  1. Parameters
  2. What is CONCATENATE?
  3. A Practical Example
  4. CONCATENATE Formula
  5. Result of the Formula
  6. Why Use CONCATENATE?
  7. Key Takeaways:
  8. Example use case

Parameters

string1:
The first string or cell reference that you want to concatenate.

string2:
Additional strings or cell references that you want to concatenate with string1. You can include multiple string2 parameters.

What is CONCATENATE?

The CONCATENATE function in Google Sheets is a useful tool that allows you to join two or more strings of text together into one single string. This function is particularly helpful when you want to combine data from different cells or create formatted text from various pieces of information.

In simpler terms, CONCATENATE enables you to merge text from multiple sources into a cohesive format.

A Practical Example

Imagine you are managing a list of employees and their contact information stored in a Google Sheets document:

Employees Table:

FirstNameLastNameEmail
JohnDoejohn.doe@email.com
JaneSmithjane.smith@email.com
BobJohnsonbob.j@email.com

You want to create a full name for each employee by combining their first and last names.

CONCATENATE Formula

To achieve this, you would use the CONCATENATE function as follows:

Google Sheets
=CONCATENATE(A2, " ", B2)

In this formula:

  • A2 is the cell containing the FirstName.
  • " " adds a space between the first and last names.
  • B2 is the cell containing the LastName.

Result of the Formula

When you apply the CONCATENATE formula to the Employees Table, the output would look like this:

FirstNameLastNameFullNameEmail
JohnDoeJohn Doejohn.doe@email.com
JaneSmithJane Smithjane.smith@email.com
BobJohnsonBob Johnsonbob.j@email.com

By using the CONCATENATE function, you can easily create a new column for FullName that combines the first and last names.

Why Use CONCATENATE?

CONCATENATE is beneficial because it simplifies the process of merging text in Google Sheets. It allows for easy formatting and organization of data, making it more readable and presentable. This function is particularly useful for creating labels, combining addresses, or generating any text that requires multiple pieces of information.

Key Takeaways:

  • CONCATENATE: A function that joins multiple strings of text into one single string.
  • Easy to Use: Simplifies the process of merging data from different cells.
  • Versatile: Can be used for various applications, such as creating full names, addresses, or formatted text.
  • Common Use Cases: Ideal for data organization, report generation, and enhancing the readability of spreadsheets.

CONCATENATE is an essential function for anyone working with text data in Google Sheets, providing a straightforward way to enhance data presentation and usability.

Happy spreadsheeting!

Example use case

You have a table where Column A contains first names and Column B contains last names. You can use the CONCATENATE formula to combine these columns into a full name in Column C. This simplifies data presentation and improves readability for reports.

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