How to Merge Columns in Google Sheets
Google Sheets is a powerful and versatile tool from Google‘s suite of online productivity software that offers a myriad of features to streamline your data management tasks. One such feature is the ability to merge columns, a function that can help you consolidate data, improve readability, and enhance the overall presentation of your spreadsheet. This guide will walk you through the process of merging columns in Google Sheets.
How to Merge Columns in Google Sheets
Google Sheets, a powerful tool for spreadsheet management, may not have a direct feature for merging columns but fear not. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of merging columns in Google Sheets using a simple formula.
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Step 1. Open Your Google Sheets Document
Begin by opening the Google Sheets document that contains the columns you wish to merge. If you’re not already in the document, navigate to the Google Sheets homepage. Click on the ‘Open file picker’ icon at the top right, and choose the relevant file from your Google Drive. Alternatively, paste the document URL into your web browser’s address bar to open it directly.
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Step 2. Select the Cell Where You Want the Merged Data to Appear
Once in your document, select the cell where you want the merged data to appear. Typically, this will be the first cell of an empty column. Click on the formula bar located above the column headers (marked by an ‘fx’ symbol.)
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Step 3. Enter the Formula to Merge Columns
Now, enter the formula to merge the columns. The formula you’ll use is =A1&” “&B1, where A1 and B1 represent the cells you want to merge. This formula combines the data from cell A1 and cell B1, separated by a space. Hit Enter after entering the formula, and voila, the merged data should populate the selected cell.
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Step 4. Apply the Formula to the Entire Column
For the final touch, apply the formula to the entire column. Click on the cell where you entered the formula, then click on the small blue circle at the bottom right corner. Drag this square down to the last cell of the column, and watch the formula work its magic, merging corresponding cells from the two columns seamlessly.
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FAQs
Can I directly merge columns in Google Sheets?
No, Google Sheets doesn’t offer a direct merge feature; you need to use a formula for merging.
What formula do I use to combine data from two columns?
Use the formula =A1&” “&B1, replacing A1 and B1 with the cells you want to merge.
How do I apply the merge formula to the entire column?
Click on the formula-entered cell, grab the small blue square at the bottom right, and drag it down to the last cell in the column.
Can I merge non-contiguous columns in Google Sheets?
Yes, simply adjust the formula to include the desired cells from different columns.
Is it possible to merge columns with different data types?
Yes, the formula can merge columns with text, numbers, or a combination of both without issues.