How does Excel combine two columns of data into one

In Excel, it is sometimes necessary to combine two or more columns of data into a single column. Here are four common methods and some tips for using them. There is always one method that will work for you:
Method 1: Using the connector "&"
In Excel, you can combine two columns of data into a single column using the direct use connector "&". If you have two columns of data in column A and column B, enter the formula "=A1&B1" in the first cell of column C, and then press the Enter key to merge the data from columns A and B into that cell in column C.
[Precautions] When using the connector "&", note that there may be errors in the date column. If you need to connect the date column, it is best to format the date column or change it to text format before connecting.

Method 2: Use the "CONCATENATE" function
The CONCATENATE function can be used to combine multiple strings into a single string. Enter the formula "=CONCATENATE(A1, B1)" in the first cell of column C and press Enter to merge the data from columns A and B into that cell in column C.
[Precautions] As with the "&", when using the "CONCATENATE" function to connect cells, it is necessary to note that the date column may have errors. If you need to connect the date column, it is best to format the date column or change it to text format before connecting.

Method 3: Use the "PHONETIC" function
The PHONETIC function can be used to combine multiple text strings into a single string and display each character in a specified order. Enter the formula "=PHONETIC(A1:B1)" in the first cell of column C and press Enter to combine data from columns A and B into that cell in column C.
"PHONETIC" function to connect cells, only connect the text, for the date, numbers, formulas will be ignored, if the number, date and other cell format into the text, you can use the "PHONETIC" function to connect cells.

Method 4: Use the TEXTJOIN function

The TEXTJOIN function can be used to merge multiple strings into a single string.

TEXTJOIN function syntax

TEXTJOIN(delimiter, rule for handling blank cells, cell or range of cells to be joined). The separator can be empty, or one or more characters enclosed by double quotation marks.
Enter the formula "=TEXTJOIN("-",TRUE,A2:E2) in the target cell and press Enter to merge the data from columns A through E into the target cell.
[Precautions] Similar to the connector "&", when using the "TEXTJOIN" function to join cells, you need to pay attention to the date column may have errors. If you need to join the date column, it is best to format the date column or change it to text format before joining.

【 Advantage 】 The TEXTJOIN function provides a connector, which makes it easier to add custom connectors, such as "-" and "/", between each data to be joined.