How to Combine Two Excel Drop-Down Values into One SKU in WPS Office
Question details
The user needs to combine two column values, such as a palette name and batch number, into a single SKU text value in WPS Spreadsheets.
- Product
- WPS Office Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user manages product data where one column contains a palette name such as Autumn and another contains a batch number such as 2. They need the SKU column to show a single readable value.
- Observed behavior
- The SKU column needs to display a combined text value such as Autumn 2, created from two separate drop-down selections.
Open the workbook in WPS Office Spreadsheets and verify that the palette and batch values are in two columns with a clear SKU column ready. Confirm the first data row references such as A2 and B2 before entering the formula.
Concatenate Two Drop-Down Cells with an Ampersand Formula
Use this method when you need a simple, formula-driven SKU that updates automatically as either source cell changes.
The ampersand operator joins text and cell values directly. Because the formula references cells rather than the selected text, it works for manually typed values and values chosen from data validation drop-down lists.
Click the first empty cell in the SKU column, for example C2.
Type =A2&" "&B2 and press Enter. This combines the value in A2 with the value in B2 and inserts a space between them.
Drag the fill handle from the bottom-right corner of C2 down through all rows that need a SKU, or double-click the fill handle to fill adjacent rows automatically.
Combine Two Columns into One SKU in WPS Spreadsheets
Use a simple concatenation formula in WPS Spreadsheets to merge palette and batch drop-down values into a single SKU. It updates automatically when selections change.
- 1. Open the workbook: Open the file in WPS Office Spreadsheets and select the sheet containing the palette and batch columns.
- 2. Select the SKU cell: Click the first empty cell in the SKU column, such as C2.
- 3. Enter the concatenation formula: Type =A2&" "&B2 and press Enter to combine the two drop-down values with a space.
- 4. Fill the formula down: Drag the fill handle from C2 through the remaining rows or double-click the fill handle to auto-fill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the SKU update if I change a drop-down selection later?
Yes. The formula =A2&" "&B2 works with the current cell value, so when either the palette or batch number changes, the SKU column recalculates immediately.
Can I combine more than two columns into one SKU?
Yes. Extend the formula by adding another ampersand and separator, for example =A2&" "&B2&" "&C2, or use TEXTJOIN with a delimiter.
How do I apply the formula to many rows at once?
Select the formula cell, then double-click the fill handle at the lower-right corner, or select the target range and press Ctrl+D after entering the formula in the top cell.
What if I need a separator other than a space?
Replace the space between the quotation marks with the required separator, such as =A2&"-"&B2 for Autumn-2, or use "" for no separator.
