How To Combine Three Columns In Excel

Introduction

Combining columns in Excel is a common task that requires understanding of various functions and formulas. Efficiently merging data from multiple columns can streamline data analysis and reporting.

While Excel requires manual use of functions like CONCATENATE and TEXTJOIN to combine columns, modern tools offer simpler solutions. Working with Excel functions can be tedious and time-consuming.

Enter Sourcetable, an AI-powered spreadsheet platform that lets you combine columns through natural conversation with a chatbot. Simply upload your data and tell Sourcetable what you want to do - whether it's combining columns, analyzing data, or creating visualizations - and the AI handles the rest. Sign up for Sourcetable to experience how AI can simplify your spreadsheet tasks.

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 Comparison

Excel is a traditional spreadsheet tool requiring manual function input and data manipulation, while Sourcetable is an AI-powered spreadsheet that lets you analyze data through natural conversation. Simply upload your files or connect your database, then chat with Sourcetable's AI to create spreadsheets, generate visualizations, and perform complex analyses without learning formulas or functions. Try Sourcetable to get instant answers to any spreadsheet question.

Data Analysis Approach

Excel relies on user knowledge of functions, formulas, and features for data analysis. Sourcetable's AI chatbot handles all analysis tasks through simple conversation, eliminating the need to learn complex spreadsheet operations.

Ease of Use

Excel requires expertise in spreadsheet functions and manual data manipulation. Sourcetable lets you describe what you want to analyze in plain language, and the AI automatically creates the necessary spreadsheets and visualizations.

Data Handling

Excel has size limitations and requires manual data importing. Sourcetable handles files of any size and connects directly to databases, with all analysis performed through AI-powered chat interactions.

Visualization Creation

Excel needs manual chart configuration and formatting. Sourcetable's AI automatically generates stunning visualizations based on your verbal requests, streamlining the data presentation process.

Learning Curve

Excel demands significant time investment to master its features and functions. Sourcetable requires no technical knowledge - users simply chat with the AI to accomplish any spreadsheet task.

Master Excel Column Combining with Sourcetable

While combining columns in Excel requires specific functions and steps, Sourcetable's AI chatbot makes data manipulation effortless. Simply tell Sourcetable what you want to do, and its AI will handle the rest. Upload your files or connect your database to perform any analysis instantly.

Forget about complex formulas and tedious manual work. Sourcetable's AI helps you create spreadsheets from scratch, generate sample data, and transform your data into stunning visualizations. With natural language commands, you can analyze data of any size and get immediate insights.

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