Combine First and Last Names Using the & Operator
For beginners, the quickest way to combine first and last names in Excel is with the ampersand (&) operator. This method is efficient and easy to apply.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to merge names seamlessly:
- Assume Column A contains First Names (e.g., John in cell A2).
- Assume Column B contains Last Names (e.g., Doe in cell B2).
- In Column C, enter the formula: =A2 & " " & B2 for cell C2. This adds a space between names.
- Drag the fill handle down to apply the formula to all rows, automatically combining full names like "John Doe".
Pro Tips
Ensure your data starts in row 2 or adjust cell references accordingly. For empty cells, this method still works by displaying blanks. Always test formulas in a sample cell first.
