How to add same text to multiple cells in Microsoft Excel

Adding the same text to multiple cells in a spreadsheet is a common task that can save time and improve the accuracy of data entry. By applying the same text to multiple cells, users can ensure consistency in data presentation and make it easier to analyze and manipulate data.

In this tutorial we will learn how to add the same text to multiple cells in Microsoft Excel.There are various methods to insert identical text into multiple cells, we will use the Flash Fill feature, CONCATENATE function and Ampersand operator ( & ) to add the same text to multiple cells.Flash Fill allows users to quickly fill out data patterns without the need for complex formulas or manual input. It works by recognizing patterns in the data and automatically filling in the remaining cells based on those patterns.

Currently we have a data set showing names and we aim to add a prefix i.e. Mr. to all the names.

Method 1 : Adding Same Text to Multiple Cells using The Flash Fill Feature

Step 1 – Enter the text in the First Cell Manually

•  Add the text i.e. Mr. to the name in a separate blank cell manually.
• Press the Enter Key.

Step 2 – Press CTRL + E Shortcut Keys

• Press the Flash fill shortcut keys i.e. CTRL + E .
• The text will be added to all the adjacent data automatically.

Method 2 : Using Ampersand (&) Operator Function

Step 1 – Select a Blank Cell

• Select a Blank targeted cell where you want to print the cell after adding the text.

Step 2 – Place an Equals Sign

• Place an Equals sign ( = ) in the targeted blank cell.

Step 3 – Use the Ampersand (&) Operator 

• The ampersand (&) operator in Excel is used to join two or more text strings into one string. The operator can be used to combine text from different cells or to combine text with other characters, such as commas or spaces.
• The syntax for CONCATENATE function will be 

                                        ”Mr.”&A3

• Where the second argument i.e. “Mr.” is the text to be added and the second argument i.e. A3 is the address of the cell in which the text is to be added.
• You may exchange the places of both the arguments if required.

Step 4 – Press the Enter Key

• Press the Enter Key to add the text.

Step 5 – Add the Text in all the Data

• Apply the Ampersand ( & ) operator to all the data using the “Handle Select” and “Drag and Drop” method.

Method 3 : Adding Same Text to Multiple Cells using CONCATENATE Function

Step 1 – Select a Blank Cell

• Select a Blank targeted cell where you want to print the text string after adding text.

Step 2 – Place an Equals Sign

• Place an Equals sign ( = ) in the targeted blank cell.

Step 3 – Use the CONCATENATE Function

• The CONCATENATE function in Excel is used to join two or more text strings into one string. The function can be used to combine text from different cells or to combine text with other characters, such as commas or spaces.
• The syntax for CONCATENATE function will be 

                                         CONCATENATE(“Mr.”,A2)

• Where the first argument i.e.”Mr.” is the text to be added and the second argument i.e. A2 is the address of the cell in which the text is to be added.

Step 4 – Press the Enter Key

• Press the Enter Key to add the text to the cell.

Step 5 – Add the Text in all the Data

• Apply the CONCATENATE function to all the data using the “Handle Select” and “Drag and Drop” method.