ARRAYTOTEXT Function in Excel: Convert Arrays to Text (2025 Guide)

Converting arrays to readable text in Excel often presents a challenge for data analysts and spreadsheet users. The ARRAYTOTEXT function offers a straightforward solution for transforming array data into human-readable text formats. This guide will show you how to use ARRAYTOTEXT effectively, with practical examples you can implement immediately.

Converting Your First Array to Text in Excel

The ARRAYTOTEXT function takes an array as input and returns a text representation of that array. Let’s start with a basic example to understand its fundamental operation.

Basic Syntax Example

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=ARRAYTOTEXT(array, [delimiter], [include_headers])

Follow these steps to convert your first array:

1. Select Your Target Cell
   • Click the cell where you want the text output to appear
   • Type the equals sign (=) to begin the formula
2. Enter the Function
   • Type “ARRAYTOTEXT” or use the function wizard
   • Open parenthesis to start the arguments
3. Select Your Array
   • Highlight the range containing your array data
   • Add closing parenthesis

Here’s a practical example:

Original Array	ARRAYTOTEXT Result
1,2,3,4,5	“1, 2, 3, 4, 5”

Working with Different Array Types

Converting Numeric Arrays

When working with numbers, ARRAYTOTEXT maintains numerical formatting while converting to text:

1. Format Preservation
   • Select your numeric array
   • Apply ARRAYTOTEXT with default settings
   • Review output formatting

Note: If you want to include the currency formatting or any other Excel format in your result, you need to combine “ARRAYTOTEXT”with the “TEXT ”function. The “TEXT” function can format numbers as currency before passing them to “ARRAYTOTEXT”.

Example with formatted numbers:

Original Array	Format	ARRAYTOTEXT Result
1000,2000,3000	Currency	“$1,000, $2,000, $3,000”

Handling Text Arrays

Text arrays require special consideration to maintain proper formatting:

1. Text Handling
   • Select text array
   • Use appropriate delimiter
   • Consider quotation marks

Example with text:

Original Array	ARRAYTOTEXT Result
apple,banana,orange	“apple, banana, orange”

Creating Formatted Lists from Arrays

Building Comma-Separated Lists

1. Set Delimiter
   • Use comma as default delimiter
   • Add spaces for readability
   • Consider custom formatting

Example:

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=ARRAYTOTEXT(A1:A5, “, “, FALSE)

Custom Delimiter Options

1. Choose Delimiter
   • Select appropriate separator
   • Consider readability
   • Test with sample data

Example with different delimiters:

Delimiter	Result
Semicolon	“1; 2; 3”
Pipe	“1 | 2 | 3” Try the Free Spreadsheet Extension Over 500,000 Pros Are Raving About Stop exporting data manually. Sync data from your business systems into Google Sheets or Excel with Coefficient and set it on a refresh schedule. Get Started
Space	“1 2 3”

Combining ARRAYTOTEXT with Other Functions

Integration with FILTER

Combine ARRAYTOTEXT with FILTER for dynamic data selection:

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=ARRAYTOTEXT(FILTER(A1:A10,B1:B10=”Yes”))

Using with UNIQUE

Create unique list representations:

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=ARRAYTOTEXT(UNIQUE(A1:A10))

Building Dynamic Reports

1. Create Template
   • Design report structure
   • Add ARRAYTOTEXT formulas
   • Include header formatting
2. Add Data Sources
   • Connect to data range
   • Apply filters if needed
   • Test with sample data

What Makes ARRAYTOTEXT Different from TEXTJOIN?

Feature	ARRAYTOTEXT	TEXTJOIN
Array Handling	Native	Manual
Delimiter Options	Limited	Extensive
Performance	Faster	Variable

Essential ARRAYTOTEXT Techniques for 2025

1. Modern Interface Integration
   • Use with dynamic arrays
   • Leverage new Excel features
   • Implement error handling
2. Performance Optimization
   • Minimize range size
   • Use appropriate data types
   • Consider calculation impact

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