TEXTJOIN Function: syntax, examples, mistakes and translation notes
Joins text with a delimiter.
Syntax
=TEXTJOIN(delimiter, ignore_empty, text1, [text2], ...)
Arguments
delimiter
Text inserted between combined values.
ignore_empty
TRUE to skip empty cells.
text1
First text item or range.
text2
Optional additional text items/ranges.
Worked examples
=TEXTJOIN(", ",TRUE,"East","West")
Returns “East, West”.
=TEXTJOIN(" | ",TRUE,A2:A10)
Joins nonblank values in A2:A10 with a vertical bar separator.
Practical tips
- Set ignore_empty deliberately so blanks do not create repeated delimiters.
- Use TEXT with numbers/dates first when display formatting matters.
- For dynamic lists, TEXTJOIN can combine FILTER results.
Common mistakes
- Expecting cell number formatting to carry into the joined text automatically.
- Using a delimiter that can also appear inside source values without considering ambiguity.
Related functions
Frequently asked questions
What does TEXTJOIN do?
Joins text with a delimiter.
Why might a TEXTJOIN formula return an unexpected result?
Expecting cell number formatting to carry into the joined text automatically. Start by testing the smallest referenced range or condition independently before adding wrappers or fallbacks.
Check the complete formula
Function syntax is only one part of a working workbook. Paste the finished expression into the Formula Checker for structural warnings, the Formatter for readability or the Translator when a supported locale mapping is involved.
Testing note: examples are educational. Spreadsheet versions, locale settings, tables, named ranges and workbook data can change behavior, so validate important formulas with representative data.