Merging cells in Excel is a neat trick that can make your spreadsheets look cleaner and more organized. Basically, you’ll be taking two separate cells and combining them into one. This can be really useful for creating headers or improving the overall layout of your data. Let’s walk through the steps to get this done.
How to Merge 2 Cells in Excel
In this section, you’ll learn how to merge two cells in Excel step by step. This process will help you make your data more organized and easier to read.
Step 1: Select the Cells
First, open your Excel workbook and select the two cells you want to merge.
To select the cells, click and hold on the first cell and drag your mouse to the second cell. Alternatively, you can hold down the "Shift" key and use the arrow keys to select the cells.
Step 2: Go to the "Home" Tab
Next, navigate to the "Home" tab in the Excel toolbar.
The "Home" tab is located at the top of the Excel window. It contains various formatting options like font size, color, and alignment.
Step 3: Click the "Merge & Center" Button
Now, find the "Merge & Center" button in the "Alignment" group and click it.
The "Merge & Center" button is a large button with a grid icon. Clicking it will merge the selected cells and center the content.
Step 4: Confirm the Merge
Excel will ask if you want to keep the upper-left value and discard the other values. Click "OK" to confirm.
When you merge cells, only the content from the upper-left cell will be retained. Make sure this is the data you want to keep.
Step 5: Adjust Alignment if Needed
Finally, adjust the alignment of the merged cell if necessary.
You can use the alignment options in the "Home" tab to left-align, center, or right-align your text within the merged cell.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the two cells will be merged into one, making your Excel sheet look more streamlined and professional.
Tips for How to Merge 2 Cells in Excel
- Use "Merge Across": If you need to merge multiple rows at the same time, use the "Merge Across" option instead of "Merge & Center."
- Be Cautious with Data: Remember that merging cells only keeps the content from the upper-left cell, so be careful not to lose important information.
- Shortcut: You can use the keyboard shortcut "Alt + H + M + C" to quickly merge and center cells.
- Unmerge Cells: If you need to unmerge cells, select the merged cell, go to the "Home" tab, and click the "Merge & Center" button again.
- Check for Errors: Always double-check your data after merging cells to ensure no important information has been lost.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Merge 2 Cells in Excel
What happens to the data in the other cell when I merge two cells?
Only the data in the upper-left cell is kept. The other cell’s data will be discarded, so make sure you don’t need it.
Can I merge more than two cells?
Yes, you can select multiple cells to merge, but the same rule applies: only the upper-left cell’s content will be kept.
How do I unmerge cells?
Select the merged cell, go to the "Home" tab, and click "Merge & Center" again to unmerge.
Can I merge cells in Excel Online?
Yes, the steps are similar in Excel Online. Select the cells, go to the "Home" tab, and click "Merge & Center."
Is there a way to merge cells without losing data?
Unfortunately, merging cells in Excel will always discard data from all cells except the upper-left one. If you need to keep data from all cells, consider concatenating the data into one cell instead.
Summary of How to Merge 2 Cells in Excel
- Select the cells.
- Go to the "Home" tab.
- Click the "Merge & Center" button.
- Confirm the merge.
- Adjust alignment if needed.
Conclusion
Merging cells in Excel is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance the appearance and organization of your spreadsheets. By combining cells, you create a cleaner, more readable layout that’s perfect for headers, labels, and more. Just remember to handle your data carefully—merging cells will discard everything except the content from the upper-left cell.
If you ever need to unmerge, simply follow the same steps to revert your changes. Keep in mind the tips and FAQs provided to make the most out of this feature. For more advanced data management techniques, consider exploring additional Excel functions and tools.
Now that you’ve mastered how to merge 2 cells in Excel, you’re well on your way to becoming an Excel pro. Happy Excel-ing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.