Combining Cell Content in Excel
You can easily combine text (Last Name, First Name) from two or more cells using a simple formula.
Click on the video icon for a demonstration.
For Example:
- Create a new spreadsheet and type the column headings Last Name and First Name starting in cell "A1."
- Next, enter four fictitious names under the appropriate heading.
- Select the cell where the Last and First names are to be combined. Type the = (sign) in the cell to start the formula.
- Select the first cell "A2" that contains the first last name, type &" "&(keep a space between the pair of quotes) and the select the cell "B2," with the matching first name.
- Press the Enter key to complete the formula, then use the fill handle to copy the formula to the cells below.
- Next, select the four combined names and then click on the Copy icon located on the Standard Toolbar. With the names still selected click on the Paste icon's down-arrow and choose "Values" from the menu.
- Press the "Esc key" and the cells are now formatted as Text.
Example Formula
The formula used in the example to display the combined text was: C2=A2&" "&B2