Data Merging. How to Join Two Cells in Google Sheets

Manual Method to Join Two Cells in Google Sheets #

Google Sheets provides a straightforward way to combine or merge data from two cells into a single cell. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it manually:

  1. Open the Google Sheets document that contains the cells you want to merge.
  2. Select the cell where you want to place the merged data. This cell will be the one containing the combined data.
  3. In the formula bar at the top of the sheet, type the following formula: =A1&B1, where A1 and B1 are the cell references of the cells you want to merge.
  4. Press Enter to apply the formula.

The merged data from the two cells will now appear in the selected cell.

Google Apps Script Method to Join Two Cells #

If you frequently need to merge cells in Google Sheets, you can automate the process using Google Apps Script. Here's an example script that can achieve this:

  1. Open the Google Sheets document where you want to merge the cells.
  2. Click on "Extensions" in the menu bar, select "Apps Script," and a new script editor window will open.
  3. Delete any existing code in the script editor and replace it with the following code:
function mergeCells() {
  var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet();
  var cell1 = sheet.getRange("A1").getValue();
  var cell2 = sheet.getRange("B1").getValue();
  var mergedData = cell1 + cell2;
  var targetCell = sheet.getRange("C1");
  targetCell.setValue(mergedData);
}
  1. Customize the cell references in the script as per your requirement. In the script above, A1 and B1 are the cells to be merged, and C1 is the destination cell.
  2. Save the script by clicking on the floppy disk icon or pressing Ctrl + S.
  3. Close the script editor.

Now, every time you want to merge cells, follow these steps:

  1. Click on "Extensions" in the menu bar, select "Apps Script."
  2. In the sidebar that opens, click on the function name mergeCells() and then click on the "Play" button (a small triangle icon).
  3. The script will run, merging the specified cells into the destination cell.

Example Use Cases #

Merging cells in Google Sheets can be useful in various scenarios, including:

  1. Combining names and addresses: You can merge first and last names with the address information in separate cells to create a complete mailing address.
  2. Joining columns of data: Suppose you have a spreadsheet with a column for the first name and a column for the last name. Merging these columns into a single cell can simplify data analysis or sorting.
  3. Creating custom messages: You can merge data fields, such as names and purchase details, to generate personalized messages or emails for customers.
  4. Concatenating URLs: If you have separate URLs for a domain and a specific page, merging them can create a valid link that leads directly to the desired page.

These examples showcase just a few ways in which merging cells in Google Sheets can streamline data management and enhance your workflow.

With both the manual method and Google Apps Script approach, you can effortlessly join two cells in Google Sheets. Whether you prefer a quick manual solution or a more automated script, merging cells saves time and helps keep your data organized and coherent.

Joining tables in Google Sheets can be done using various techniques.
To learn how to specifically join two cells in Google Sheets, follow the provided link.
If you want to join two columns in Google Sheets, check out the detailed instructions.
Find out how to link to another sheet in Google Sheets for easy navigation within your document.
Linking to another tab is helpful when you want to create references within your Google Sheets document.

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