If you want to join text from a few cells into one, the CONCATENATE function in Google Sheets pulls them together for you.
You list the pieces you want combined, add any spaces or separators between them, and it returns a single joined string. In this article I’ll show you how it works with five examples.
CONCATENATE Function Syntax in Google Sheets
Here is how you write the CONCATENATE function.
=CONCATENATE(string1, [string2, ...])
- string1 – the first piece of text, number, or cell reference you want to join.
- string2, … – any further pieces to add on, including spaces and separators typed in quotes. You can pass single cells or a whole range.
When to Use CONCATENATE Function
- Combine first and last names into one full name.
- Build an address from separate street, city, and state columns.
- Turn a number and a label into a readable sentence.
- Stitch parts together into a product code or SKU.
Example 1: Join First and Last Names
Let’s start with the most common use, building a full name.
Below is the dataset, first names in column A and last names in column B, rows 2 to 5.
The goal is to combine each pair into one full name in column C.
Here is the formula:
=CONCATENATE(A2," ",B2)
CONCATENATE joins the first name, a space in quotes, and the last name into one string. Without that space the two names would run together.
The first row gives John Smith and the second gives Mary Jones. Fill the formula down and the rest follow.
Example 2: Build an Address From Three Columns
Here’s how to join more than two pieces at once.
Below is the dataset, street in column A, city in column B, and state in column C, rows 2 to 4.
The goal is to merge the three parts into one address line with commas between them.
Here is the formula:
=CONCATENATE(A2,", ",B2,", ",C2)
You can pass as many pieces as you like. Here the formula joins three cells and slots a comma and space between each one.
The first row becomes the address line 12 Oak St, Austin, TX. The separators keep the parts readable instead of jammed together.
Example 3: Mix Text and Numbers Into a Sentence
CONCATENATE handles numbers just as happily as text.
Below is the dataset, product names in column A and stock counts in column B, rows 2 to 4.
The goal is to turn each row into a plain sentence about its stock level.
Here is the formula:
=CONCATENATE(A2," has ",B2," units in stock")
The formula wraps fixed words around the cell values. The text in quotes stays the same on every row while the cell values change.
The first row reads Mouse has 12 units in stock. The number flows straight into the sentence without any extra conversion.
Pro Tip: Watch your spaces inside the quoted text. The space before and after “has” is what keeps the words from sticking to the values, so type them deliberately.
Example 4: Join a Range Into a Code
You can hand CONCATENATE a whole range instead of listing each cell.
Below is the dataset, three code parts spread across columns A, B, and C, rows 2 to 4.
The goal is to glue the three parts together into a single code with no separator.
Here is the formula:
=CONCATENATE(A2:C2)
Passing the range A2:C2 tells CONCATENATE to join everything in that row in order. It saves you from referencing each cell one by one.
The first row returns AB23X1, all three parts run together. This range trick is handy when the pieces sit side by side.
Example 5: Create a SKU With a Separator
Last one, building a product code with a dash between the parts.
Below is the dataset, category codes in column A and item numbers in column B, rows 2 to 5.
The goal is to join each pair into a SKU with a dash in the middle.
Here is the formula:
=CONCATENATE(A2,"-",B2)
The "-" between the two references is the separator. Swap it for a slash, underscore, or any character your codes need.
The first row returns SHOE-101 and the second returns HAT-42. The dash keeps the category and number clearly split.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Type your separators inside quotes. A space, comma, or dash only appears in the result if you add it yourself between the arguments.
- CONCATENATE doesn’t add spaces for you. Join two names without a
" "and you get one run-on word like JohnSmith. - For long lists of cells, CONCATENATE gets clunky. When you need a separator repeated between many values, TEXTJOIN is usually the cleaner choice.
CONCATENATE is the function to reach for when you need to glue a few cells together into one string. You control exactly what goes between each part.
It works with names, addresses, sentences, and codes, and it treats numbers and text the same way, so you can mix them freely.
List of All Google Sheets Functions
Related Google Sheets Functions / Articles: