Concatenating columns

Group columns using the concatenation functions.

Merging the content of two columns

In some cases, the data you want to use is split in several columns. You can group these columns using a concatenation.

The dataset used in this example contains the first name and last name of several customers, in two distinct columns. The Concatenate with function will be used to merge the data of the second column with the data of the first one, and output the result in a new column.

Dataset containing customer information.

Note: If you use this function on more than two columns, the result will not be a merge of all the columns, but rather each selected column will retrieve the data of an additional column or a selected string of characters. For a straightforward merge of several columns, use the Concatenate columns function. For more information, see Merging the content of two or more columns.

Procedure

Click the header of the column you want to use for the concatenation, First Name in this case.
The data from this column will be the first part of the merged data that will be created.
In the Functions panel, type Concatenate with and click the result to display the options of the associated function.
Select the Create new column checkbox.
This will output the result of the function in a new column. If you want the concatenation to happen in the selected column, you can leave the checkbox cleared.
From the Use with drop-down list, select Other column.
From the Column drop-down list, select Last Name.
In the Separator field, add a space.
You can input any other character to act as separator for the merged data.
Click the Submit button to apply the function.

Results

The content of the First Name and Last Name columns is merged in the newly created column using a concatenation and you can delete the unnecessary columns.

Dataset containing customer information with merged column.

Merging the content of two or more columns

In some cases, the data you want to use is split in two, three, or more columns. You can group these columns using a concatenation.

The dataset used in this example contains the first name, middle name and last name of several customers, in three distinct columns. The Concatenate columns function will be used to merge this information in a single column.

Procedure

Use Ctrl + click or Shift + click to select the headers of the columns you want to use for the concatenation, First Name, Middle Name and Last Name in this case.
In the Functions panel, type Concatenate columns and click the result to display the options of the associated function.
In the Separator field, add a space.
You can input any other character to act as separator for the merged data.
Click the Submit button to apply the function.
The result of the function will be output in a new column.

Results

The content of the First Name, Middle Name and Last Name columns is merged using a concatenation and you can delete the unnecessary columns.

To build the new column, the data is taken from the selected columns in a left to right order. If you insert a step that changes the original order of your columns, or add columns between columns used in the concatenation, the final result won't change.

Did this page help you?

If you find any issues with this page or its content – a typo, a missing step, or a technical error – please let us know!

Leave your feedback here