How it works.
CONCAT is the modern replacement for CONCATENATE. It lets you join list of strings or ranges. Unlike CONCATENATE, it supports range parameters (e.g. A2:C2). It does not include delimiters automatically; use TEXTJOIN for delimited lists.
💡 In simple terms.
Glues multiple pieces of text from different cells together into a single cell, without any spacing in between.
"Think of this like gluing Lego blocks together. You take two separate blocks (Username and Domain) and snap them into one long block."
Formula syntax.
Standard Excel Notation=CONCAT(text1, [text2], ...)[like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.Formula arguments.
Every parameter accepted by the CONCAT function is detailed below.
The first text item or cell range to combine.
Example value:A2Additional strings, delimiters, or ranges (up to 253 arguments).
Example value:"@"Optional third range or string.
Example value:B2Simple example.
Step-by-Step ScenarioConstruct Email Addresses
Combine Username in column A with "@" and Domain in column B.
| Username | Domain | Constructed Email | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| johndoe | company.com | — | — | — |
| sarahc | gmail.com | — | — | — |
| mjordan | nba.com | — | — | — |
=CONCAT(A2, "@", B2)Evaluates CONCAT over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell C2:C6.
Formula generator.
Full Generator WizardCustomize the argument fields below to generate a tailored CONCAT formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.
=CONCAT()Expected result behavior.
Returns "Calculated output" based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.
Best Practices
- To insert a space or custom character between combined cells, include it as a separate argument in quotes (e.g. `=" "` or `"-"`).
- Use the ampersand `&` operator as a quick shortcut for CONCAT (e.g. `=A2 & "@" & B2`).
Common Mistakes
- CONCAT does not skip blank cells. If you select a range containing empty cells, they will be output as empty sections in the resulting text.
Platform & version compatibility.
Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.
In Excel 2016 or older, use CONCATENATE or the ampersand (&) operator.
Introduced in Excel 2019 and Excel 365 as the modern successor to CONCATENATE.
100% compatible with Google Sheets.
Frequently asked questions.
Technical Q&ACan I use CONCAT across different worksheets in Excel?↓
Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =CONCAT(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.
What is the most common reason for errors in CONCAT?↓
CONCAT does not skip blank cells. If you select a range containing empty cells, they will be output as empty sections in the resulting text.
Does CONCAT work identically in Google Sheets?↓
Yes, CONCAT is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.