48. Excel Tips - Add 2 strings together in Excel

Nick's picture


Adding 2 strings together is very easy in Excel.

There are a couple of ways.

Method1: use: &" "& NOTE - this adds a space between the 2 strings Here's an example:

Add-2-strings-together-excel

Method2: use CONCATENATE

Add-2-strings-together-excel

If the CONCATENATE function were designed properly, it would allow you to enter a range instead of each value separately, and it would allow you also to enter a separator.

Consequently, I prefer Method1.

Download a spreadsheet to practice adding strings together in Excel

Video Training on Adding 2 strings together in Excel:

Slight Amendment...

You can enter... =CONCATENATE(C3," ",D3) ..and that will work too. So, that function does allow you to put the space between 1st and Last names.

Nick's picture

Good spot

Well spotted... I've never thought of that.

I hope you'll agree though, it's still a rubbish function... ; - >

I've written this: http://excelexperts.com/VBA-Tips-Concatenate-Range to do what it ought to.

 

"CONCATENATE" and "&"

Is there any advantage of using "CONCATENATE" instead of "&" ? If no why they keep "CONCATENATE" function.

Both are same in output

Both Concatenate and & are same in operation, there is no difference.
only visible difference is, & is less key strokes that concatenate! And quick to use and visualize.