How to Concatenate Strings in Google Sheets: Guide

You can think of Google Sheets concatenation as the plumbing that connects raw data into usable business signals. Once you understand the patterns, an AI agent can take over the heavy lifting. Let’s walk through practical ways to concatenate multiple strings, from manual to fully automated.## 1. Manual and traditional ways### 1.1 Basic CONCATENATEUse the built-in `CONCATENATE` function to join multiple cells.1. Open your sheet and add a new column for the combined value.2. In the first row of that column, enter: `=CONCATENATE(A2,B2,C2)`3. Press Enter, then drag the fill handle down to apply to other rows.This joins A2, B2, and C2 with no spaces. Learn syntax from Google’s help: https://support.google.com/docs/answer/3094123### 1.2 Add spaces, dashes, or labelsMost business strings need separators.- Full name: `=CONCATENATE(A2," ",B2)`- Lead ID like "US-FB-001": `=CONCATENATE(A2,"-",B2,"-",C2)`You can mix literal text:- `=CONCATENATE("Lead-",A2,"-",TEXT(B2,"000"))`### 1.3 Use the `&` operator (faster typing)`CONCATENATE` is verbose. In practice, pros use `&` which works the same:- `=A2&" "&B2`- `="SKU-"&A2&"-"&B2`This is easier to read and maintain in big formulas.### 1.4 Preserve leading zeros and formatsFor IDs like Cloud001, Cloud002, you must control number formatting. Using Stack Overflow’s pattern:- `=CONCATENATE(A1,REPT("0",3-LEN(B1)),B1)`Simpler with TEXT:- `=A1&TEXT(B1,"000")`This keeps values sortable as text IDs instead of numeric sequences.### 1.5 Concatenate ranges (multiple strings at once)You can join a 2D range in one go:- `=CONCATENATE(A2:B7)`Google Sheets concatenates across rows, then down columns (A2,B2,A3,B3,...). This is handy for compact summaries but less controllable. See notes in the official doc: https://support.google.com/docs/answer/3094123### 1.6 JOIN when you need delimiters`JOIN` is often better than `CONCATENATE` for lists:- `=JOIN(", ",A2:A10)` turns many cells into a single comma-separated string.This is great for generating keyword lists or tag fields for CRMs.### 1.7 ARRAYFORMULA for whole columnsInstead of dragging formulas manually, turn them into arrays:- In C2: `=ARRAYFORMULA(A2:A&A2:A)` is not useful, but consider IDs:- `=ARRAYFORMULA(A2:A&"-"&TEXT(B2:B,"000"))`Now every new row automatically gets a concatenated ID.## 2. No-code methods and automation toolsOnce your patterns are stable, you can stop touching the sheet at all.### 2.1 Google Sheets built-in automation- **Autofill**: After entering a pattern, Sheets usually suggests applying it down the column. Confirm with one click.- **Named ranges**: Name your source columns (Data → Named ranges) so formulas like `=Channel&"-"&Region` become `=ChannelRange&"-"&RegionRange` for easier maintenance.### 2.2 Google Apps Script (lightweight scripting)Without becoming a developer, you can paste a simple script that concatenates strings in bulk.Example: create a custom function in Extensions → Apps Script:```javascriptfunction CONCAT_COLS(range1, range2) { var r1 = range1.map(function(row){ return row[0]; }); var r2 = range2.map(function(row){ return row[0]; }); var out = []; for (var i = 0; i < r1.length; i++) { out.push([r1[i] + "-" + r2[i]]); } return out;}```Then in your sheet:- `=CONCAT_COLS(A2:A,B2:B)`This is still “no-code enough” for many ops teams and saves repetitive formula editing.### 2.3 Zapier / Make integrationsUse no-code tools to:1. Trigger on new row added in Google Sheets.2. Build a concatenated string using their formula fields.3. Write back the result to another column or to your CRM.This keeps your sheet clean while downstream tools receive ready-to-use IDs, UTM names, or SKUs.**Pros:** Non-technical team can manage; UI-based; connects to many apps.**Cons:** Per-task cost; another tool to maintain; limited visibility into complex logic.## 3. At-scale automation with an AI agent (Simular)When your operation reaches thousands of rows across dozens of Sheets, the work shifts. It’s no longer just “what formula should I use?” It’s “Who is going to keep all of this consistent when we change our naming rules?” That’s where an AI agent, like Simular Pro, becomes valuable.### 3.1 Let an AI agent operate your desktop and browserSimular Pro is a production-grade computer-use agent that behaves like a power user:- It can open Google Sheets in the browser.- Apply or modify CONCATENATE / `&` / TEXT formulas across tabs.- Copy patterns from one Sheet to another.- Validate that results match your rules (no missing zeros, no extra spaces).You describe the workflow in natural language once; the agent executes it step by step, transparently, and you can inspect every action.**Pros:**- Scales to thousands or millions of operations.- Adapts when business rules change (e.g., new campaign naming schema).- No engineering required; uses the same UI your team already knows.**Cons:**- Requires initial setup and clear instructions.- Best suited for recurring workflows, not one-off fixes.### 3.2 Connect Sheets concatenation to broader workflowsBecause Simular agents can also:- Pull leads from your CRM.- Paste them into Google Sheets.- Build concatenated IDs, email subject lines, or UTM tags.- Export updated sheets back into downstream tools.You effectively turn concatenation from a small spreadsheet trick into a reliable piece of your end-to-end sales or marketing pipeline.For a sense of what Simular Pro can do beyond Sheets, see: https://www.simular.ai/simular-pro