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CONCATENATE Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The CONCATENATE function combines multiple text strings, numbers, or cell references into a single text string. It's a fundamental text function for building dynamic text content by joining separate pieces of information.

Syntax

CONCATENATE(text1, [text2], ...)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
text1	`Any`	Yes	Required first text item, number, or cell reference
text2, ...	`Any`	No	Optional additional items (up to 254 total, 8,192 char limit)

Using the CONCATENATE Function

CONCATENATE is perfect for creating labels, full names, addresses, or any scenario where you need to merge separate text pieces into one cohesive string. Use it to build dynamic content that updates automatically when source cells change.

Common CONCATENATE Examples

Create Descriptive Sentence

=CONCATENATE("Stream population for ", A2, " ", A3, " is ", A4, "/mile.")

Builds complete sentence from cell data: "Stream population for brook trout species is 32/mile."

Combine First and Last Names

=CONCATENATE(B2, " ", C2)

Joins first name, space, and last name: "Andreas Hauser"

Address with Comma

=CONCATENATE(C2, ", ", B2)

Creates "Hauser, Andreas" format

Ampersand Address

=CONCATENATE(B3, " & ", C3)

Produces "Fourth & Pine" street address

Frequently Asked Questions

CONCATENATE handles multiple items clearly and was standard before newer functions. The & operator is often simpler for 2-3 items.

CONCAT is the modern replacement (Excel 2016+), handles ranges better. CONCATENATE remains for compatibility.

Yes, numbers are automatically converted to text when joined.

Common Errors and Solutions

Extra quotation marks in result

Cause: Missing commas between text arguments

Solution: Use commas to separate items: =CONCATENATE("Hello", "World") not =CONCATENATE("Hello"World")

Words run together

Cause: No spaces between text items

Solution: Add spaces: =CONCATENATE(A1, " ", B1) or " " between quotes

#NAME? error

Cause: Missing quotes around text literals

Solution: Wrap text in double quotes: =CONCATENATE("text", A1)

Notes

In Excel 2016+ and Excel for web, CONCAT function is recommended replacement
Maximum 255 arguments, 8,192 total characters
Numbers and dates automatically convert to text
Use & operator for simpler 2-item joins

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in:

Content last reviewed: December 8, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+