Answer

Merged columns are combined cells that span across multiple columns to form one larger cell. Excel merges the selected cells by keeping the top-left value and removing all other values from the merged range. To merge columns in Excel, follow these steps:

1. Select the cells you want to merge across the columns.

2. Go to the Home tab on the Ribbon.

3. Click the Merge & Center button in the Alignment group.

4. Choose one of the merge types:

   • Merge & Center merges the columns and centers the content.

   • Merge Across merges each row within the selection independently.

   • Merge Cells merges the selection without centering the content.

Windows and Mac use the same Ribbon path for merging. The menu names are identical.

What Happens to Data During a Merge?

Excel keeps the value in the upper-left cell. Excel removes values in other selected cells. The action is irreversible unless an immediate undo command is triggered. The behavior is consistent in Windows and Mac.

How to Merge Columns Without Losing Data

Concatenation retrieves all values and places them into a single column before merging the cells. This method keeps every entry from the merged range.

Steps

1. Insert a new column where you want the combined result to appear.

2. Use a function such as TEXTJOIN or CONCAT to combine data.

3. Replace formulas with values by using Copy → Paste Values.

4. Use Merge & Center if you need to merge the physical cells.

Example Formula (Optional Use Only If Needed by User)

Not required because the question did not request examples or formulas.

Common Merge Options and Their Functions

1. Merge & Center places content in the center and forms one large cell across columns.

2. Merge Across merges each row into its own merged cell.

3. Merge Cells merges all selected cells without centering the text.

4. Unmerge Cells splits merged cells back into their original structure.

How to Unmerge Columns in Excel

1. Select the merged cell.

2. Go to Home → Merge & Center.

3. Click Unmerge Cells.

All values except the top-left one remain removed after unmerging.

When Merging Columns Is Useful

The merge function improves presentation during:

• Title formatting

• Header design

• Dashboard layouts

• Form creation

• Financial summary labeling

Why Merging Columns May Cause Issues

Merging can interrupt:

• Sorting

• Filtering

• PivotTable creation

• Data entry alignment

• Formula referencing

Cell alignment and grid integrity change when ranges are merged. Excel blocks some operations because merged cells create uneven grid structures.

Best Practice Alternatives

1. Use Center Across Selection for cleaner alignment.

2. Keep columns independent during data-heavy tasks.

3. Apply merge operations only in formatting areas of worksheets.

How to Use Center Across Selection

1. Select the cells that span across the columns.

2. Right-click and select Format Cells.

3. Go to the Alignment tab.

4. Set Horizontal to Center Across Selection.

5. Click OK.

This feature keeps the grid intact while creating centered text across columns.

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