The CONCATENATE and TEXTJOIN functions in Excel are powerful tools that make it easy to combine text from multiple cells into a single cell. These functions are used widely in data organization, reporting, and spreadsheet automation to manage information efficiently. In this article, we will explore how to use the CONCATENATE and TEXTJOIN functions, their differences, and examples of practical applications. We’ll also cover the cases when you might prefer TEXTJOIN over CONCATENATE.
What Are CONCATENATE and TEXTJOIN in Excel?
Before diving into the details, let’s understand the basics of both functions.
CONCATENATE: This function helps combine text from multiple cells into a single string. If you need to join a first name and last name or combine words from different cells, CONCATENATE is an effective choice.
TEXTJOIN: A newer and more flexible function than CONCATENATE, TEXTJOIN allows you to specify a delimiter (such as a comma or space) and ignore empty cells. This function is ideal when dealing with data where empty cells may appear, or you need to separate values with a specific character.
Key Differences Between CONCATENATE and TEXTJOIN
Feature | CONCATENATE | TEXTJOIN |
---|---|---|
Introduced in Excel | All versions | Excel 2016 and later |
Delimiter Supported | No | Yes |
Ignores Empty Cells | No | Yes |
Ease of Use | Basic | More Advanced |
Recommended For | Simple text joining | Complex joining with delimiters |
How to Use the CONCATENATE Function in Excel?
The CONCATENATE function is perfect for joining small pieces of text. Its syntax is straightforward:
Syntax: =CONCATENATE(text1, text2, ...)
Here’s how you can use the CONCATENATE function in Excel:
Step-by-Step Guide to CONCATENATE
- Select a cell where you want the combined text to appear.
- Type the CONCATENATE formula: Enter
=CONCATENATE(
. - Enter the text or cell references you want to combine. For example,
=CONCATENATE(A2, B2)
will combine the values in cells A2 and B2. - Press Enter to view the result.
Example: Joining First and Last Names
Suppose you have first names in column A and last names in column B. To create a full name, use =CONCATENATE(A2, " ", B2)
to add a space between the first and last names.
This method is useful for basic joining tasks, but CONCATENATE has limitations—it does not support delimiters or ignoring empty cells.
How to Use the TEXTJOIN Function in Excel?
TEXTJOIN is a more versatile alternative to CONCATENATE. It allows you to add a delimiter (e.g., commas or spaces) and can ignore empty cells, making it especially useful for complex data organization.
Syntax: =TEXTJOIN(delimiter, ignore_empty, text1, [text2], ...)
Step-by-Step Guide to TEXTJOIN
- Select the cell where you want the result.
- Enter the TEXTJOIN formula: Type
=TEXTJOIN(
. - Specify the delimiter: Enter a character in quotation marks (e.g.,
", "
for a comma). - Set the ignore_empty parameter: Type
TRUE
if you want to ignore empty cells orFALSE
if not. - Enter the text or cell references you want to join.
Example: Joining Product Codes with Commas
Suppose you have product codes in cells A2 to A6 and want to create a single list separated by commas. Use =TEXTJOIN(", ", TRUE, A2:A6)
. This function will ignore any empty cells in the range.
What Is the Difference Between TEXTJOIN and CONCATENATE?
The primary differences between TEXTJOIN and CONCATENATE are:
- Delimiters: TEXTJOIN allows a delimiter, while CONCATENATE does not. This makes TEXTJOIN better suited for lists.
- Empty Cells: TEXTJOIN can ignore empty cells, which simplifies joining uneven datasets.
- Compatibility: CONCATENATE is available in all Excel versions, while TEXTJOIN is only available in Excel 2016 and later.
These differences make TEXTJOIN the preferred function in most scenarios, especially with data that includes empty cells or requires a specific separator.
When Would You Use TEXTJOIN Instead of CONCATENATE?
Choose TEXTJOIN if:
- You need a separator (like commas or spaces) between text values.
- Your data set includes empty cells you want to skip.
- You’re working in Excel 2016 or later.
On the other hand, CONCATENATE works well for simpler tasks without delimiters and is supported in all Excel versions.
How to Use CONCATENATE and TEXTJOIN in Excel VBA?
Using CONCATENATE and TEXTJOIN in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is beneficial for automating tasks.
CONCATENATE in VBA
In VBA, you can concatenate strings using the &
operator.
TEXTJOIN in VBA
TEXTJOIN can be directly used in VBA if available in your Excel version (Excel 2016 and later).
These examples demonstrate how to automate text joining for large datasets using VBA.
Practical Examples of TEXTJOIN and CONCATENATE in Excel
1. How to Use TEXTJOIN in Excel with a Space
If you have words in cells A2 through A4 that need to be combined with a space, use: =TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A2:A4)
2. TEXTJOIN with IF Formula in Excel
To join cells in a range based on a condition, combine TEXTJOIN with the IF function.
Example: Joining non-zero values only: =TEXTJOIN(", ", TRUE, IF(A2:A10<>0, A2:A10, ""))
Note: This formula requires pressing
Ctrl + Shift + Enter
to run as an array formula in versions before Excel 365.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Use the CONCATENATE Function in Excel?
Use CONCATENATE by typing =CONCATENATE(cell1, cell2, ...)
where cell1 and cell2 are cells you want to join. This function is ideal for simple text joining without delimiters.
How to Use the TEXTJOIN Function in Excel?
TEXTJOIN works with =TEXTJOIN(delimiter, ignore_empty, cell1, cell2, ...)
, enabling flexible data joining with delimiters and optional empty cell handling.
What Is the Difference Between TEXTJOIN and CONCATENATE in Excel?
The main differences are delimiter support and the ability to ignore empty cells. TEXTJOIN is also more modern and flexible, recommended for larger datasets with empty cells.
When Would You Use TEXTJOIN Instead of CONCATENATE?
Use TEXTJOIN when you need a delimiter between values or want to ignore empty cells. CONCATENATE is better for basic joining without these requirements.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
TEXTJOIN Not Available in Excel 2016
If TEXTJOIN is missing, ensure your version is updated, as it’s available only in Excel 2016 or later. Users of older versions may need CONCATENATE.
Common CONCATENATE Errors
- #VALUE! Error: Check for incorrect data types or unlinked cells.
- Character Limits: CONCATENATE may have limitations with large text.
Workarounds
For missing TEXTJOIN in older Excel versions, consider using VBA or alternative functions like CONCAT.
Tips and Tricks for Optimizing TEXTJOIN and CONCATENATE
- Combine with Other Functions: Using CONCATENATE and TEXTJOIN with functions like LEFT, RIGHT, or MID can enhance data processing.
- Apply in Dynamic Ranges: Use these functions with named ranges for automation.
- Set Default Delimiters: Establish a default delimiter like space or comma in TEXTJOIN to maintain consistency in reports.
Both CONCATENATE and TEXTJOIN provide valuable functionality for combining text in Excel, but TEXTJOIN’s flexibility makes it a better option for complex data needs. Whether you’re creating a contact list, compiling product details, or processing large datasets, knowing how to use these functions efficiently is essential. Try applying them in your next project to see how they simplify data handling in Excel.