Excel Tip: Merge 2 columns together

Have you ever wondered how to merge 2 columns together in Excel like a "First Name" and "Last Name" column? I often see people entering information cell by cell which is a HUGE time waster. There is a simple formula you can use merge 2 columns in the format you need.

Lets say we have 2 colums, "First Name" and "Last Name". Create a third column to the right of the "Last Name" column and call it "Full Name". In the 2nd cell (1st cell would be the header) of the new column type the following formula:
A2&" "&B2 and press Enter

You are telling Excel:

= (this starts the formula)

A2 (this is the first cell you want to merge)

& (this is the combining character, think of it like glue)

" " (this is adding a space between the First and Last name, notice there is a space between quotations)

& (another combining character is added because you separated the first cell by a " ")

B2 (this is the last cell you want to merge)

Once you enter the formula and press Enter you can copy that formula down the column by clicking the bottom right corner of cell C2 and dragging it down.

Be careful not to delete the "First Name" and "Last Name" columns or your results will disappear because you have taken away the variables that make up your formula. If you do not need the "First Name" and "Last Name" columns, copy the "Full Name" column, and "Paste Special: Values Only" in a new column.

Happy time saving!