How to use the CONCAT function
What is the CONCAT function?
The CONCAT function concatenates values from multiple cells, cell ranges and arrays.
What is concatenate?
This means that Excel adds the values in a series forming a text string.
What is an array?
An array in Excel is a collection of values in rows and columns, enclosed in curly brackets {}. The values are separated by a delimiter for rows and another for columns.
For example, this array formula spills the values into individual cells:
={"Car", "Bike";"Train",5}
In Excel 365, arrays automatically spill results into adjacent cells as needed. But in older versions, you must enter it as an array formula (Ctrl + Shift + Enter) to view each value in a cell.
What is a cell range?
A cell range is basically multiple adjacent cells in worksheet. You reference a cell range using the column and row values like this: =A3:B5 so the CONCAT function becomes CONCAT(A3:B5)
What is a delimiter?
It is basically a string that separates the output values, however the CONCAT function lacks this feature. I recommend you use the TEXTJOIN function.
Table of Contents
1. CONCAT function Syntax
CONCAT(text1, [text2],…)
2. CONCAT function Arguments
| text1 | Required. Values you want to combine. |
| [text2] | Optional. Up to 254 additional arguments. |
3. CONCAT function example
Formula in cell D3:
4. CONCAT function not working
The CONCAT function returns an error if the source range contains an error.
The #NAME! error is shown if you misspelled the function.
5. How to add delimiting characters to the CONCAT function
Formula in cell D3:
Use the following formula to remove the last delimiting string:
Explaining formula
Step 1 - Join each cell value in range with a delimiting string
B3:B6&", "
Step 2 - Concatenate array
CONCAT(B3:B6&", ")
6. Comparing related functions
The ampersand character & lets you concatenate values in a formula. Ampersand
- No advanced options.
- Easy to use.
The CONCATENATE function is a simple function that allows you to quickly join values.  CONCATENATE
- Has been replaced by the CONCAT function.
- Although the CONCATENATE function still exists in Excel for backward compatibility, it is a legacy function and may not be supported in future releases.
- You need to select each cell one by one which may become tedious and time consuming.
- Hold SHIFT key while selecting cells to avoid typing delimiting characters between arguments.
The CONCAT function is a simple function that allows you to quickly join values from a cell range. CONCAT
- No delimiting value.
- CONCAT replaces the CONCATENATE function, Microsoft recommends you use this function over the CONCATENATE function from now on.
The TEXTJOIN function is more advanced, it lets you specify a delimiting value and ignore blank values. It takes multiple non adjacent cell ranges. TEXTJOIN
- The TEXTJOIN function is likely the most versatile option for concatenating text across multiple cells and ranges in Excel.
- You can specify delimiting values, however, no distinction between row and column delimiting values which is the case of the ARRAYTOTEXT function.
- You have the option to ignore blank values.
ARRAYTOTEXT function concatenates values from a given cell range or array. ARRAYTOTEXT
- Allows you to specify delimiters for both columns and rows.
- The result is a text string.
Function key F9 lets you convert the formula to the output result.
- Hard code the values in a formula.
- You have the option to select a part of the formula.
- Press Escape key to undo changes.
Here is how:
- Select the cell containing the formula you want to convert. The formula may be as simple as this: =B2:D5 which is a cell reference to cell range B2:D5.
- Press with left mouse button on in the formula bar so the prompt appears.
- Select the entire formula.
- Press F9 on your keyboard. Excel converts the formula and now shows the output from the formula.
- Press Esc key to go back to the original formula or press Enter to keep the changes.
7. CONCAT function and date and time values
Formula in cell D6:
Explaining formula in cell D6
Step 1 - Format time values
TEXT(B3:B6,"hh:mm AM/PM ")
Step 2 - Concatenate formatted time values
CONCAT(TEXT(B3:B6,"hh:mm AM/PM "))
Useful resources
CONCAT function - Microsoft support
'CONCAT' function examples
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Functions in 'Text' category
The CONCAT function function is one of 30 functions in the 'Text' category.
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