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Merging multiple cells in Excel combines selected cells into one larger cell. Excel aligns the content based on the merge option selected. To merge multiple cells in Excel, use one of the built-in merge commands that control alignment and structure. Every merge action requires a selected range of adjacent cells.

1. Merge & Center

This command merges the cells and centers the content.

1. Select the adjacent cells that you want to merge.

2. Go to the Home tab.

3. Click Merge & Center inside the Alignment group.

Windows and Mac use the same steps for this command.

2. Merge Across

This command merges cells in each row of the selection but keeps rows separate.

1. Highlight multiple rows with multiple columns.

2. Open the Home tab.

3. Click the arrow beside Merge & Center.

4. Choose Merge Across.

Windows and Mac present the menu in the same location.

3. Merge Cells

This command merges the selection into a single cell without centering the content.

1. Select the cells to merge.

2. Open the Home tab.

3. Use the drop-down beside Merge & Center.

4. Select Merge Cells.

4. Unmerge Cells

Excel restores merged cells to their original structure.

1. Select the merged cell.

2. Go to the Home tab.

3. Click Unmerge Cells in the drop-down list.

Windows and Mac follow the same process.

Why merged cells may affect editing

Merging limits sorting, filtering, and filling operations because Excel treats merged cells as a single block. The grid structure loses independence, and command behavior changes.

Best alternative to merging

Center Across Selection gives aligned text without structural issues.

1. Highlight the cells.

2. Open the Home tab.

3. Click the small launcher on the Alignment group.

4. In Horizontal, choose Center Across Selection.

5. Click OK.

This option works on Windows and Mac and maintains grid independence.

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