Google Sheets Combine Text: CONCATENATE vs. Ampersand (&) - Which is Better?

The Everyday Task of Joining Text

Whether you're creating full names from separate columns, building custom IDs, or generating descriptive labels, the need to Google Sheets combine text is one of the most common tasks you'll face. For years, the go-to solution was the CONCATENATE function. However, a simpler and more flexible operator has become the fan favorite: the ampersand (&).

Both methods achieve the same goal, but they have subtle differences in readability and ease of use. Understanding both will help you write cleaner, more efficient formulas for any situation.

Two Methods to Combine Text in Google Sheets

Let's dive into the two primary ways to join strings of text. We'll explore how they work and then compare them side-by-side to settle the debate of concatenate vs ampersand google sheets.

Method 1: The Classic CONCATENATE Function

The CONCATENATE function is the formal, dedicated function for joining text. It takes two or more text strings or cell references as arguments and merges them into one.

The syntax is straightforward: CONCATENATE(string1, [string2, ...]). You simply list the cells or text you want to join, separated by commas.

=CONCATENATE(A2, B2)

If cell A2 contains "Jane" and B2 contains "Doe", this formula would return "JaneDoe". Notice there's no space. To add separators like spaces or commas, you must include them as their own text strings within quotes.

=CONCATENATE(A2, " ", B2)

This corrected formula would properly return "Jane Doe".

Method 2: The Mighty Ampersand (&) Operator

The ampersand (&) is a join operator. It's not a function, but a symbol that tells Google Sheets to connect the text on either side of it. For most users, this is the faster and more intuitive way to combine text.

Using the same example, the ampersand formula looks like this:

=A2 & " " & B2

This formula produces the exact same result: "Jane Doe". Many users find this version easier to read and type, as the ampersand visually represents the act of "and-ing" or "connecting" the text together.

Concatenate vs Ampersand: Which Should You Use?

While both methods work, the ampersand (&) is generally considered the modern standard for a few key reasons.

  • Readability: The ampersand operator often makes formulas clearer, especially when you are joining text with static separators. The formula =A2 & ", " & B2 is arguably easier to understand at a glance than =CONCATENATE(A2, ", ", B2).
  • Brevity: Ampersand formulas are shorter and faster to type. This saves you keystrokes and time, especially in complex formulas.
  • No Difference in Performance: For all practical purposes, there is no performance advantage to using one over the other. Google Sheets processes both with the same efficiency.

The verdict? While CONCATENATE is perfectly functional, the ampersand (&) is the preferred method for its simplicity and readability. It's a good habit to adopt for all your text-joining needs.

Sometimes, combining text involves more than just joining two columns. You might need to incorporate conditional logic with an IF statement or format numbers with the TEXT function. When formulas get complex, an AI assistant can be a lifesaver. You can describe your goal in plain English at dr-sheets.com and get a custom, ready-to-use formula in seconds.

Conclusion: Keep It Simple with the Ampersand

Mastering how to Google Sheets combine text is a fundamental skill. While the CONCATENATE function is a valid option, the ampersand (&) operator provides a more streamlined, readable, and modern approach to getting the job done.

By defaulting to the ampersand, you'll write formulas that are easier for you and your colleagues to understand and maintain. Now it's your turn to weigh in. Share your favorite trick for combining text in the comments!

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