Excel can add the same word or phrase to many cells without editing each cell individually. The best method depends on whether you want to change the underlying values or only change how the values are displayed.
Steps
- If the original values must remain unchanged, create a helper column.
- For text added before the value, enter a formula such as =”ID-“&A2.
- For text added after the value, use a formula such as =A2&” complete”.
- Fill the formula down through the required rows.
- Review several results, including blank cells and values containing numbers or dates.
- If you need to replace the originals permanently, copy the formula results and use Paste Special > Values in the intended location.
- Keep a backup or original column until you verify the converted data.
Custom number formats can change display only
For certain numeric data, a custom format can show text before or after a value while preserving the underlying number for calculations. This is useful when the added word is purely visual.
Formulas can affect data types
Concatenating text with a number produces text output. If the result still needs to participate in arithmetic, a display format may be more appropriate.
Blank cells need a decision
A simple formula can turn a blank source into a cell containing only your added word. Use an IF condition when blanks should remain blank.
Avoid destructive bulk edits first
Test the formula in a helper column before replacing original values. This makes it easy to spot spacing, punctuation, or formatting problems.
Related: Cut a word in Excel.
Formula examples
| Goal | Formula | Result for “Smith” |
|---|---|---|
| Add a word before | ="Mr. "&A2 |
Mr. Smith |
| Add a word after | =A2&" (verified)" |
Smith (verified) |
| Same thing with a function | =CONCAT("Mr. ",A2) |
Mr. Smith |
| Skip blank cells | =IF(A2="","","Mr. "&A2) |
Mr. Smith, or blank |
Remember to include a space inside the quotation marks if you want one between the word and the cell value. In older Excel versions, use CONCATENATE instead of CONCAT.
Dates and numbers need TEXT
Joining text to a date shows a serial number like 45567 instead of the date. Wrap the date in TEXT to keep its format:
="Due: "&TEXT(A2,"mm/dd/yyyy")Custom format examples
Select the cells, press Ctrl+1, choose Number > Custom, and type one of these in the Type box:
"Item "@shows text cells with “Item ” in front.0" kg"shows numbers with ” kg” after them, while keeping them usable in calculations."$"#,##0.00" USD"shows a currency amount with a label after it.
For more on formatting, see how to format Excel cells.
Other quick methods
- Flash Fill. Type the first result next to your data, such as “Mr. Smith”, then press Ctrl+E to fill the rest of the column.
- Power Query. For large or repeated jobs, load the data with Data > From Table/Range, select the column, and choose Transform > Format > Add Prefix or Add Suffix.
Related: Select multiple items from an Excel dropdown list.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a word without a helper column?
Use a custom number format if you only need to change the display. To change the actual values, use a helper column and paste the results back as values.
How do I change capitalization at the same time?
Combine functions, such as ="Mr. "&PROPER(A2). See how to capitalize the first letter of each word in Excel.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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