Merge Cells in Excel

The Excel spreadsheet program in Microsoft Word allows you to create and change groups of cells or individual cells. You can combine cells, also known as merging, in order to combine data or improve the appearance of the spreadsheet. Learn how to merge cells in Microsoft Excel.

Steps

Merging with a Formatting Toolbar

1. Open your Microsoft Excel document.
2. Type information into the cells.
   • Keep in mind that merging cells can delete data. Only the data in the upper left cell will be kept once the cells have merge. Do not place data in every cell if you plan on merging the cell space.
   • If you want to merge cells, but there is data in 1 of the middle cells, copy the data using your "Edit" Menu and paste it in the upper left cell.
3. Highlight the cells you want to merge with your cursor. It is best to choose cells in a single row or a single column, since it will make learning the command easier.
4. Format the cell in order to merge it. Your command will depend upon the year your Microsoft Excel program was created.
   • Newer versions of Excel will allow you to access the "Merge" button on the "Home" tab of the formatting toolbar. Look for the "Alignment" section of the formatting options or click the arrow to the right to see more options.
   • Older versions of Excel require you to click on the "Format" menu and select "Merge" from the options in the drop down menu.
5. Click the "Merge and Center" option in the list of merge formats. This will merge the cells and place the data in the center, creating a more attractive presentation.
   • You can also choose "Merge," which will place the data in the upper left, or "Merge Across."

Merging with a Mouse Button

1. Open your Microsoft Excel document.
2. Highlight the cells you would like to merge with your mouse.
3. Click the right mouse button. A menu will pop up with several options for changing the data in the cells.
4. Click the "Format Cells" option.
5. Select the "Alignment" tab in the formatting dialog box.
6. Check the box that says "Merge Cells." You can also select the vertical and horizontal alignment of the data in the merged cells.

Tips

• You can also split merged cells. Highlight the cell that was previously merged. Return to the formatting menu on the Home toolbar, Format menu or Format Cells section. Select "Unmerge Cells" or "Split Cells." You can also uncheck the box that says "Merge Cells." You cannot split cells that were previously unmerged.

Related Articles

• Group and Outline Excel Data
• Apply Conditional Formatting in Excel
• Add Two Cells Already Containing Sum of Other Formulas
• Type Formulas in Microsoft Excel

Sources and Citations

• http://kb.wisc.edu/page.php?id=939

See also

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