Answer

Excel does not provide a formula for merging cells. Excel performs merging through ribbon commands, not through worksheet functions. A function cannot combine the physical structure of cells. A function can combine text, but that process is not cell merging.

How to Merge Cells in Excel

To merge cells in Excel, use the Merge commands on the ribbon. Windows and macOS follow similar steps with slight interface differences.

Windows Steps

1. Select the cells.

2. Go to Home.

3. Click Merge & Center.

4. Choose Merge & Center, Merge Across, or Merge Cells.

Mac Steps

1. Select the cells.

2. Go to Home.

3. Open the Merge dropdown.

4. Pick Merge & Center, Merge Across, or Merge Cells.

What Is the Function Used to Combine Cell Text?

The process for combining text uses formulas, but it does not merge cells. The structure stays unchanged.

Two Functions for Text Combining

1. =CONCAT(A1, " ", B1)

2. =TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A1, B1)

These functions return a single text string in the formula cell without merging the original cells.

Does Excel Allow Merging Through a Formula?

Yes. Excel allows merging through commands. Excel does not allow merging through formulas. A formula cannot modify cell structure.

Best Practice When Dealing With Merge Operations

Merging can block sorting and filtering. Many spreadsheet designers use Center Across Selection instead of merging, because it keeps cells independent.

How to Apply Center Across Selection

1. Select the range.

2. Open Home → Alignment Settings.

3. Set Horizontal to Center Across Selection.

4. Click OK.

This alignment option centers content visually while preserving cell independence, improving sorting reliability by up to 100% compared to merged ranges that break sort logic.

Yes · 0 No · 0 Add Comment · 0

Add ·

Report