How to Merge Excel Files into One
Are you struggling with managing multiple excel files for the same project? Do you wish to combine all the data into a single file for easy access and analysis? Look no further as we bring you the easiest and most efficient ways to merge excel files into one.
First, let us understand why merging excel files is essential.
Why Merge Excel Files?
There are many reasons why you may want to merge excel files. Here are some of the prime reasons-
1. Analyzing data efficiently- When you are working on a project with multiple data sources, having various excel files might make it difficult to analyze the data effectively. Merging excel files makes it easy to compare and analyze data that was sourced from various sources.
2. Removing Duplicates- Often, multiple files of the same data can be created for backup purposes. Merging these files can make it easier to compare and remove duplicates.
3. Saving time- Merging files takes less time than opening multiple files one by one. Merging excel files makes it easier to update and manage a single file instead of managing individual files.
Now that we understand the importance of merging excel files let us move on to how to merge excel files.
How to Merge Excel Files
1. Use Excel’s “Consolidate” Tool
To combine data from multiple excel files into one file, you can use the ‘Consolidate’ feature in Excel. The ‘consolidate’ feature enables you to summarize data from multiple worksheets or workbooks into one master worksheet.
To use the Consolidate tool, follow these steps:
1. Open the workbook where you want to consolidate the data
2. Click on the Data tab
3. Click on the Consolidate command in the Data Ribbon.
4. In the Consolidate dialog box, choose the function you want to use to consolidate the data.
5. Click on the Browse button and select the excel files which you want to merge.
6. Specify the range of data that you want to consolidate.
7. Click on OK.
That’s it your files are merged. However, it is important to note that the consolidate feature is useful only when you have similar data in the files you want to merge. If the files have different columns or rows that you want to merge, you might have to first organize the data to make them compatible.
2. Use Excel’s Power Query feature
Power Query is a powerful Excel add-on that enables you to connect, combine, and refine data from various sources, including different excel files.
To use the Power Query feature, follow these steps:
1. Open Excel and click on the ‘New Query’ button in the Power Query tab.
2. Choose the source you want to merge from the options available such as the Local Folder, Web, Database or Other Source.
3. Select the excel files you want to merge from your computer.
4. Load the data into a new worksheet
5. Click on Close & Load to combine the data.
The Power Query feature provides users with the flexibility to merge data from different types of files, including CSV files, Excel files, and text files.
FAQs
1. Can I merge excel files without third-party software?
Yes, you can use Excel’s Consolidate feature to merge files from similar worksheets or workbooks.
2. How do I remove duplicates after merging files?
To remove duplicates, follow these steps:
1. Select the column or range from the combined worksheet.
2. Click on the Data tab.
3. Click on the ‘Remove Duplicates’ command.
4. Choose the column(s) where you want to delete duplicate values.
5. Click on OK.
Conclusion
Merging Excel files can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge, it can be done with just a few clicks. Excel’s Consolidate tool and Power Query feature makes it easy to merge data from multiple files. While organizing the data in the files to be compatible is necessary, merging files can help to save time, remove duplicates, and analyze data efficiently.
