How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space

Combining columns in Google Sheets can be really helpful when you are trying to manage a set of information on a single sheet. It can save time, increase productivity and eventually bring lots of value to the person who uses the feature.

There are many complicated formulas for combining columns in Google Sheets on the internet which may make it seem complicated and inaccessible to some. However, combining columns in Google Sheets can be very easy.

Today, we will discuss four easy ways to combine multiple columns in Google Sheets:

Let’s take a look at each method in detail.

Using Concatenate in Google Sheets

The first method to combine columns in Google Sheets is by using the Concatenate Function.

You can use the formula to combine columns both vertically and horizontally. We'll show you how.

Combine Horizontally

Take the following steps to combine columns horizontally in Google Sheets using the concatenate function. 

a. Open a sheet with data, and click right beside the cell where you want to insert a merged column.

How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space
How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space

 b. Right click the cell and tap Insert Column from the drop down menu.  

How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space
How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space

  c. Select the column, type the formula “=CONCAT(B3,C3)” and press Enter. 

 d. Accept the auto fill option Google Sheet provides. 

 e. Google Sheets will merge all the cells of two different columns in a single one. 

Combine Vertically

Take the following steps to combine columns vertically using the concatenate function. 

1. Type “=CONCAT(C3,C4)” 

How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space
How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space

 2. Press Enter. 

3. Both the columns will be combined vertically. 

The concatenate function is preferred since it can be used to combine more than two columns at a same time. So, if you have a multiple columns to combine with a single function, you should choose the concatenate function. 

Take a look at the steps mentioned below to combine more than two columns in Google Sheets both horizontally and vertically. 

Combine Multiple Columns Horizontally

Here's how to combine multiple columns vertically:

1. Left click the cell where you want to combine more than one columns. 

How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space
How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space

2. Type “=CONCATENATE(a3,b3,c3)”

 3. Press Enter and allow the auto suggestions. 

Combine Multiple Columns Horizontally

Take the following steps to combine multiple columns horizontally.

 1. Type “=CONCATENATE(c3,c4,c5,c6)” in the column where you want to make the combination.

How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space
How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space

 2. Press Enter. 

3. All the columns will be combined. 

Using the ARRAY function 

The array function is even easier than the concatenate function. However, the array function is limited to the combination of two columns only. 

Take the following steps to combine columns using the array function. 

a. Tap the cell of column where you want to make the combination. 

b. Type “=ARRAY(A3&B3)” in the formula bar and press Enter. 

How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space
How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space

c. Confirm the auto fill option and Google Sheet will automatically combine the entire column. 

Using the combined ARRAY function 

This function helps in combining the entire column with a single function. 

Take the following steps to utilize this formula: 

a. Tap the cell of the column you want to combine. 

b. Type “=ARRAYFORMULA(CONCAT(a3:A,b3:b)” and press Enter. 

How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space
How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space

c. Once you do that, your entire row will be combined.

Bonus (no formula needed): Using Notepad

If you can never memorize formulas and prefer simple steps to get the job done, we have a method for you as well. 

The steps mentioned below will help you in combining the columns without any formulas. However, you will need to use the Windows app called Notepad (or a similar note app) to get the job done. 

a. Open the notepad. 

b. Copy the two columns you want to merge in a single one. 

How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space
How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space

c. Paste the data in the notepad. 

How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space
How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space

 d. Select the space between the cells and right click to copy it. 

e. Type “Ctrl+H” to open the Replace With dialogue box. 

f. Left click on the Find What option and type "Ctrl+V" insert the space you have copied in the Replace With option. 

How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space
How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space

g. Select the Replace All option from the right menu. 

How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space
How to combine two columns in Google Sheets with a space

h. Copy the entire text in the notepad and paste it in a single cell. 

i. Both the columns will be combined. 

Conclusion 

The concatenate feature in Google Sheets is a great way to combine more than one columns. You can use this for combining both horizontally and vertically as well.

If you only need to combine two columns, you can get the job done using the array formula. Take note this is only for a simple combination of two columns.

How do you combine columns with a space?

Select the cell where you want to put the combined data. Type = and select the first cell you want to combine. Type & and use quotation marks with a space enclosed. Select the next cell you want to combine and press enter.

Can you concatenate with a space?

Add extra spaces as part of the CONCATENATE formula. There are two ways to do this: Add double quotation marks with a space between them " ". For example: =CONCATENATE("Hello", " ", "World!").

How do I combine two columns of text in Google Sheets?

On your computer, open a spreadsheet in Google Sheets..
Select the rows, columns, or cells to merge..
At the top, click Format. Merge cells, then select how you want your cells to be merged..

How do I combine text cells in Google Sheets with space?

Create a simple formula to concatenate text Click the first cell that you want to refer to in the join and then press + (the plus sign). Click the second cell that you want to refer to (to join the values together) and press Enter.