How to merge two rows in excel

Answer

Merging two rows in Excel is not a direct function like merging columns. Excel allows merging of cells across rows or columns, but merging entire rows requires combining their content into a single row.

Method 1: Using the Merge & Center Tool

1. Select the cells you want to merge across the two rows.

   • For example, to merge cells A1 and A2, select both.

2. Go to the Home tab on the Ribbon.

3. Click Merge & Center in the Alignment group.

4. The selected cells combine into one cell. Only the top-left value remains; other values are deleted.

Important: This method will delete data from all cells except the top-left.

Method 2: Concatenating Values Before Merging

1. Choose a blank cell where you want the combined data.

2. Enter the formula to combine the values: 

   =A1 & " " & A2

   • This merges the content of A1 and A2 with a space in between.

   • Replace the space " " with any separator you prefer (e.g., comma ", ").

3. Copy the result and paste as values if you want to replace the original cells.

4. Select the original cells and use Merge & Center if needed.

Method 3: Using Flash Fill for Large Datasets

1. Insert a new row or column where the merged result will appear.

2. Type the first combined value manually.

   • For example, in C1, type John Doe if A1 = John and A2 = Doe.

3. Press Ctrl + E (Windows) or Command + E (Mac).

4. Excel automatically fills the remaining rows with merged data following the pattern.

Method 4: VBA Macro for Merging Entire Rows

For large datasets, a VBA macro can merge rows without losing data:

1. Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.

2. Go to Insert → Module.

3. Paste the following code:

   Sub MergeRowsKeepData()

       Dim r As Range

       Dim cell As Range

       Dim combined As String

       

       Set r = Selection

       

       For Each cell In r.Columns(1).Cells

           combined = ""

           For i = 1 To r.Rows.Count

               If r.Cells(i, cell.Column).Value <> "" Then

                   combined = combined & r.Cells(i, cell.Column).Value & " "

               End If

           Next i

           cell.Value = Trim(combined)

       Next cell

       

       r.Merge

   End Sub

4. Select the rows to merge and run the macro.

5. The macro combines all values and merges the cells.

Notes and Best Practices

• Merging cells vertically (across rows) is less common than horizontally.

• Avoid merging if you plan to sort or filter data; merged cells can cause issues.

• Use concatenation for preserving data integrity.

• Always back up data before merging rows to prevent accidental loss.

This approach ensures data from both rows is combined cleanly while allowing you to merge cells for formatting.

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