How To Combine Three Columns In Excel

How to Combine Three Columns in Excel

Using the Ampersand (&) Symbol

To combine three columns using the ampersand symbol, enter the formula =A1 & B1 & C1 into the desired cell, replacing A1, B1, and C1 with the appropriate cell references. This concatenates the data in all three cells.

Using CONCAT Function

The CONCAT function efficiently combines data from multiple cells. Input =CONCAT(A1, B1, C1) into a cell, substituting your specific cell references. To include spaces or custom text, incorporate quotation marks with the desired characters.

Using CONCATENATE Function

Although similar to CONCAT, the CONCATENATE function can also merge cells. Use =CONCATENATE(A1, " ", B1, " ", C1) in a cell, adding spaces or text within quotation marks as necessary.

Using TEXTJOIN Function

For Excel versions 365, 2021, and 2019, TEXTJOIN is a convenient option. Apply =TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A1, B1, C1) to combine content with spaces. Change the delimiter (" ") as needed.

Alternative Methods: INDEX, Notepad, VBA

Use the INDEX formula to stack multiple columns vertically into one column or employ Notepad and VBA scripts for more complex merging tasks, although they are more time-consuming than other methods.

Excel vs Sourcetable: Unifying Data Analysis

Excel, a staple in data analysis and manipulation, has long been the go-to spreadsheet tool for various tasks from budgeting to complex calculations. Excel's robust functionality and the capacity for extension through macros cater to a broad range of demands. However, its traditional approach to data management and sharing may prove constraining for modern collaborative environments.

Sourcetable, on the other hand, offers a spreadsheet application that streamlines data integration. With sync capabilities from over 100 third-party applications and regular plan updates every 15 minutes, Sourcetable makes data analysis and management more efficient. It's designed for growth teams and business operations, enabling users to build live models that automatically update, providing a real-time overview of business data—all without requiring coding skills.

Diverging from Excel's more manual and locally oriented system, Sourcetable's AI copilot transforms data interactivity with its conversational interface, simplifying the creation of formulas and templates. This user-friendly AI tool aids those unfamiliar with technical aspects of data manipulation, allowing for a more accessible approach to business intelligence tasks. Unlike Excel, Sourcetable is purpose-built for ease of sharing and collaboration, offering seamless integration into web pages and blogs.

While both Excel and Sourcetable are powerful spreadsheet tools, choosing between the two depends on the specific needs of a business. If traditional robustness and depth in data analysis is required, Excel remains a powerful contender. In contrast, Sourcetable's specialized focus on data centralization, analysis, and automated updating positions it as a compelling contemporary alternative for streamlined data management and reporting.