To combine two columns in Excel, you have several effective methods that preserve the data from both columns:

1. Using the Ampersand (&) Symbol

• Create a new column where you want the combined data.

• In the first cell of this new column, enter a formula like:

  =A2 & " " & B2
  

This combines the contents of cells A2 and B2 with a space in between.

• Press Enter, then drag the fill handle down to apply the formula to other rows.

2. Using the CONCAT() Function

• In the new column, enter:

  =CONCAT(A2, " ", B2)
  

• Press Enter and fill down the formula.

• Note: In older Excel versions, use CONCATENATE() instead of CONCAT().

3. Using the TEXTJOIN() Function

• If you want to combine multiple columns and ignore blanks, use:

  =TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A2, B2)
  

• This joins the text with a space delimiter, skipping any empty cells.

4. Using the Merge Cells Feature (Limited Use)

• Select the adjacent columns you want to merge.
• On the Home tab, click the "Merge & Center" button.
• Warning: This method only keeps the upper-left cell’s content and deletes other data, so it’s not recommended if you want to keep all data.

Additional Tips

• After combining columns with formulas, you can convert the results to static text by copying the combined column, then using Paste Special > Values.
• Insert a helper column next to the original columns before combining, to keep data organized.

These methods allow you to combine two columns efficiently while preserving all data