Combining columns can be a useful technique, especially when working with data that includes names, addresses, or other information spread across multiple columns.
This can be particularly helpful when using certain columns as variable data for data drop-ins.
To combine columns in Excel, follow these steps:
- Determine which columns you want to combine.
- Insert a new column and give it an appropriate header.
- In the top cell of the new column, enter the formula: =(Cell)&" "&(Cell)
- Press Enter. This will combine the data from the two selected columns into the new column.
- Copy the newly combined cell (Command+C) to copy the formula.
- Highlight the rest of the new column, then Paste (Command+V) to pull the combined data from the original columns into the new column.
This simple formula allows you to easily consolidate data from multiple columns into a single, more organized column or cell. This can be especially useful when working with variable data or preparing information for a mail merge or other data-driven project.