Have you ever struggled with joining text or values in Google Sheets? Look no further than the CONCAT function! In this article, we’ll explore how to utilize this powerful function to concatenate data and unleash your productivity. So grab your favorite beverage and get ready to learn some juicy secrets about the CONCAT function in Google Sheets!
The Magic Behind CONCAT
Forget about the CONCATENATE, JOIN, or TEXTJOIN functions. The CONCAT function, accompanied by the ampersand operator, is the replacement we’ve all been waiting for. Unlike its counterparts, the CONCAT function has the unique ability to expand using ARRAYFORMULA into multiple cells. This makes it a top choice when dealing with large datasets. However, each of the other functions has its own specialties, so don’t dismiss them just yet.
Syntax and Arguments
Before we dive into the examples, let’s understand the syntax and arguments of the CONCAT function. The syntax is pretty straightforward:
CONCAT(value1, value2)value1: The value (text, number, date, time, or timestamp) to whichvalue2will be appended.value2: The value to append tovalue1.
If either value1 or value2, or both, are arrays, you must input the formula as an array formula. This ensures seamless concatenation of values across multiple cells.
Basic Examples of the CONCAT Function
Let’s start with some basic examples to get you comfortable with the CONCAT function in Google Sheets.
Example 1:
=CONCAT("ABC", 123)The formula above returns the string “ABC123”. You can achieve the same result using the ampersand operator like this: “ABC” & 123.
Example 2:
=ArrayFormula(CONCAT(A2:A7, B2))This formula produces an array of concatenated values, where each element combines the corresponding cell in column A with the value in cell B2.
Example 3:
=ArrayFormula(CONCAT(A2:A7, B2:B7))Similar to Example 2, this formula generates an array of concatenated values. However, this time it combines each cell in column A with the corresponding cell in column B.
Pro tip: When using the CONCAT function in an array formula, make sure the
value1andvalue2are of equal size, or either can be a single value. Otherwise, the formula may return errors in some cells.
Unleashing the Power of Nested CONCAT
Now, let’s take things up a notch and explore nested CONCAT functions. With nested CONCAT, you can combine multiple text strings in a single formula to achieve complex concatenation tasks.
Nested CONCAT: Text Strings
Imagine you want to merge titles with names in Google Sheets. This can be a time-consuming task if done manually, but fear not! Nested CONCAT is here to save the day.
Take a look at this table:
| Title | Name | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
Let’s break down the first nested CONCAT formula in cell C2:
Formula:
=CONCAT(CONCAT(A2, " "), B2)Explanation:
CONCAT(A2, " "): This inner CONCAT function combines the title in cell A2 with a space character, resulting in “Mr. “.CONCAT(..., B2): The outer CONCAT function then combines the result from the inner CONCAT with the name in cell B2. It concatenates “Mr. ” with “John”, ultimately producing the final output “Mr. John”.
The best part is, you can easily adapt nested CONCAT functions for larger datasets by applying array formulas. Replace the formulas in cells C2:C4 with either of the following array formulas in cell C2:
=ArrayFormula(A2:A4 & " " & B2:B4)or
=ArrayFormula(CONCAT(CONCAT(A2:A4, " "), B2:B4))Beyond Text: Nested CONCAT with Number, Date, and Timestamp
The CONCAT function in Google Sheets is not limited to text. You can also combine numbers, dates, and timestamps to create powerful formulas.
Let’s take a look at how to combine a number with text and a date.
Nested CONCAT: Text and Number
To combine a number with text, you can use either the CONCAT function or the ampersand operator. However, for more complex scenarios with formatted numbers, such as currency, you may need to use the TEXT function in conjunction with CONCAT.
Nested CONCAT: Text and Date
Combining text with a date is a common requirement in data manipulation. In Google Sheets, this can be achieved using the CONCAT function along with the TEXT function. By using the TEXT function, you ensure that the date is displayed correctly and not converted into a numeric value.
Nested CONCAT: Text and Timestamp
Lastly, let’s explore how to concatenate a timestamp with text. Similar to combining a date with text, you can use the CONCAT function and the TEXT function to create the desired output. Whether you prefer the 12-hour (AM/PM) or 24-hour format, CONCAT has got you covered.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You are now equipped with the knowledge to master the CONCAT function in Google Sheets. From basic text concatenation to complex nested formulas, you can now effortlessly combine values in your spreadsheets. So go ahead and level up your productivity with the power of CONCAT!
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Resources
- Combine Text and Date in a Google Docs Spreadsheet Using Formula.
- Difference Between JOIN, TEXTJOIN, and CONCATENATE Functions in Google Sheets.
- The Flexible Array Formula to Join Columns in Google Sheets.
- How to Concatenate a Number without Losing Its Format in Google Sheets.
- Concatenate Double Quotes with Text in Google Sheets.
- Concatenate Two, Three, or More Than Three Columns in Google Sheets.
- How to Properly Concatenate Start Time with End Time in Google Sheets.
