How to Add a Prefix or Suffix to Cells in Excel
Putting INV- before invoice numbers or -2026 after a code is a two-minute job — but a custom format quietly leaves the real value unchanged. Here's how to do it properly.
Last updated: August 2026
| Value | With prefix INV- | |
|---|---|---|
| 1042 | → | INV-1042 |
| 1043 | → | INV-1043 |
Method 1 — the & operator
- Prefix:
="INV-"&A2. Suffix:=A2&"-2026". - Copy the new column, then Paste Special > Values so it survives deleting the original.
Method 2 — custom format (display only)
Ctrl+1 > Custom > "INV-"@ shows the prefix without touching the value. Handy for a report you'll print — but a CSV export or a VLOOKUP won't include the prefix, because the real text hasn't changed. Know which you need.
The 1-click way — Tellsheet
Add Text adds your prefix or suffix to every text cell in the selection as real text, in place — no helper column, no paste-special. Type the text, pick start or end, preview, apply. Pairs with Remove Characters and Leading Zeros.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add text to the start of every cell?
="prefix"&A2 and paste as values, or Tellsheet's Add Text in prefix mode — real text, no helper column.
Format vs real text — which do I want?
A format only changes the look; exports and lookups won't see it. Use the & formula or Add Text to change the actual value.
How do I add a suffix to a whole column?
=A2&"suffix" copied down, or Add Text in suffix mode across the column at once.
Will it touch number cells?
Add Text targets text cells; convert numbers to text first (see Leading Zeros / Convert Text to Number) if you want them prefixed too.
Related Excel guides
Add a prefix or suffix in one click
Add Text puts real text before or after every cell — no formulas, right inside Excel.
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