Merge and Center in Excel 2016

If you work with tables or reports in Excel 2016, you might often need to combine multiple cells into one. For example, you may want to create a heading that stretches across several columns. That’s where the Merge & Center command comes in handy.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to merge cells using the Merge & Center button and its shortcut. We’ll also explore a safer alternative called Center Across Selection. Let’s begin!

What Does Merging Cells Mean?

Merging cells means combining two or more cells into a single larger cell. The merged cell usually holds one piece of data that is centered in the middle. This feature is most useful when you want to create a title or label that spans across multiple columns.

Tip: Be careful when merging cells that contain data. Excel keeps only the value from the top-left cell and deletes the rest.

Steps to Merge Cells Using the Merge & Center Button

Follow these simple steps to merge and center cells in Excel 2016:

  • Step 1: Select the cells you want to merge. For example, highlight cells A1 to F1.
  • Step 2: Go to the Home tab in the ribbon at the top.
  • Step 3: Look for the Alignment group.
  • Step 4: Click the Merge & Center button.

Once you click it, all selected cells will merge into a single cell, and your text will be centered automatically.

Using the Keyboard Shortcut

If you prefer using the keyboard, Excel 2016 offers a quick shortcut for merging cells.

  • Step 1: Select the range of cells you want to merge.
  • Step 2: Press Alt + H + M + C one by one.

This command will instantly merge the selected cells and center the content.

More Merge Options

If you click the small arrow next to the Merge & Center button, you’ll see more merging choices:

  • Merge & Center: Combines selected cells and centers the text.
  • Merge Across: Merges cells in each row separately.
  • Merge Cells: Merges cells without centering the text.
  • Unmerge Cells: Splits merged cells back into individual ones.
Note: To unmerge cells quickly, select the merged cell and press Alt + H + M + U.

Alternative: Use Center Across Selection

Although merging looks neat, it can sometimes cause issues. For example, merged cells can make sorting or copying data tricky. To avoid such problems, try the Center Across Selection option.

How to Use Center Across Selection:

  • Step 1: Select the range of cells where you want the text centered (like A1:F1).
  • Step 2: Click the small arrow at the bottom-right corner of the Alignment group on the Home tab.
  • Step 3: In the Format Cells dialog box, click the Alignment tab.
  • Step 4: Under the Horizontal drop-down, choose Center Across Selection.
  • Step 5: Click OK.

Your text will now appear centered across the selected cells without actually merging them. This keeps your worksheet flexible and error-free.

Why You Should Be Careful with Merging

Merging cells looks great for headers, but it can limit certain Excel functions like sorting, filtering, or referencing cells. If your worksheet has a lot of data manipulation, it’s better to use Center Across Selection instead of merging.

5 FAQs on How to Merge Cells in Excel 2016

1. What happens to data in merged cells?

Only the content from the top-left cell is kept. Excel deletes data from the other merged cells.

2. Can I unmerge cells later?

Yes. Select the merged cell and click Merge & Center again, or press Alt + H + M + U.

3. Is there a shortcut for merging cells?

Yes. Press Alt + H + M + C to merge and center selected cells instantly.

4. What is Center Across Selection?

It’s a formatting option that centers text across multiple cells without merging them. It’s safer and more flexible.

5. Can I merge cells vertically?

Yes, you can merge vertically aligned cells, but it may affect sorting and filtering. Use with care.

Conclusion

Learning to use the Merge & Center command in Excel 2016 is a simple yet powerful way to make your data look organized. Whether you’re designing headers, reports, or summaries, this tool helps you keep everything clean and centered. Just remember to merge wisely and consider using Center Across Selection for a smoother Excel experience.

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