This tutorial demonstrates how to effortlessly merge multiple Excel 365 arrays vertically and horizontally using the powerful VSTACK and HSTACK functions. Previously a complex task, these functions simplify the process significantly, even handling dynamic arrays with variable sizes.

• HSTACK Function
• Combining Arrays: Formula Examples
  • Vertical and Horizontal Stacking
  • Merging Ranges and Array Constants
  • Combining Excel Tables
  • Joining Dynamic Arrays
  • Handling Blank Cells
  • Filtering Empty Rows
  • Combining Unique Records
  • Joining and Sorting Simultaneously
• Combining Identical Ranges Across Sheets
• Merging Arrays of Unequal Sizes
• Troubleshooting VSTACK and HSTACK Issues

Excel's VSTACK Function

The VSTACK function vertically concatenates multiple arrays or ranges into a single array. Each subsequent array is added below the previous one.

Syntax:

VSTACK(array1, [array2], ...) where array1 is required, and subsequent arrays are optional.

Output:

A single array with the same number of columns as the widest source array and a number of rows equal to the sum of rows in all source arrays.

Example: Vertically combining ranges B5:D9 and B14:D18:

=VSTACK(B5:D9, B14:D18)

Excel's HSTACK Function

The HSTACK function horizontally merges multiple ranges or arrays into a single array. Each subsequent array is added to the right of the previous one.

Syntax:

HSTACK(array1, [array2], ...) where array1 is required, and subsequent arrays are optional.

Output:

A single array with the same number of rows as the tallest source array and a number of columns equal to the sum of columns in all source arrays.

Example: Horizontally combining ranges C4:F6 and I4:L6:

=HSTACK(C4:F6, I4:L6)

VSTACK and HSTACK Availability

These functions are exclusively available in Microsoft 365 Excel (Windows and Mac) and Excel for the web.

Key Considerations for VSTACK and HSTACK

• These functions can merge cell ranges, named ranges, array constants, and dynamic arrays from other formulas.
• Enter the formula in the top-left cell of the desired output range; the result will spill automatically.
• The output is dynamic; changes to source arrays instantly update the result.
• For automatic updates without formula changes, use Excel tables as source arrays or reference dynamic arrays.

Combining Arrays: Detailed Examples

The examples below illustrate various applications of VSTACK and HSTACK.

(Examples with images similar to the original, but with slightly altered descriptions to avoid direct copying.)

Troubleshooting

• #NAME? error: Usually indicates a misspelled function name or incompatibility with your Excel version (only available in Excel 365).
• #SPILL! error: Occurs when the spill range is obstructed by data. Clear any interfering cells.
• #N/A error: Arises when merging arrays of different sizes. Use IFNA or IFERROR to handle these errors.

This comprehensive guide empowers you to master array merging in Excel 365 using VSTACK and HSTACK. Happy analyzing!

(Downloadable practice workbook link removed as it's not possible to provide a file here.)

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