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Sometimes, a cell in Excel contains more text than it can show. Instead of stretching the column wider, Excel offers two simple features — Wrap Text and Merge Cells. These tools help make your spreadsheet look neat and professional without messing up your layout.
In this beginner-friendly guide, let’s learn how to wrap text and merge cells in Excel 2016 step by step.
What is Wrapping Text in Excel?
Wrapping text means displaying all the text within a single cell on multiple lines. This helps you read long sentences easily without increasing the column width.
Steps to Wrap Text in Excel 2016
Method 1: Using the Ribbon
- Select the cell or range of cells you want to format.
- Go to the Home tab.
- In the Alignment group, click on Wrap Text.
That’s it! Your text will now automatically adjust within the cell, wrapping to fit the space available.
Method 2: Using a Keyboard Shortcut
- Select the cells you want to wrap.
- Press Alt + H + W (one after the other).
This is a quick shortcut that does the same job as the ribbon button.
How to Add a Manual Line Break
- Double-click the cell to enter editing mode.
- Place your cursor where you want the text to break.
- Press Alt + Enter.
This adds a new line exactly where you want it inside the same cell.
What is Merging Cells in Excel?
Merging cells combines two or more cells into one large cell. It’s often used to create titles, headers, or section labels in a worksheet.
Steps to Merge Cells in Excel 2016
Method 1: Using the Ribbon
- Select the adjacent cells you want to merge.
- On the Home tab, find the Alignment group.
- Click the drop-down arrow next to Merge & Center and choose from these options:
- Merge & Center: Combines cells and centers the text.
- Merge Across: Merges cells in each selected row individually.
- Merge Cells: Merges without centering the content.
Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
- Select the cells you want to merge.
- Press Alt + H + M.
- Then press:
- C for Merge & Center
- A for Merge Across
- M for Merge Cells
How to Wrap Text in Merged Cells
Sometimes, after merging cells, your text may not fit properly. You can still wrap text in merged cells with these steps:
- Merge your cells first using the above methods.
- Click on Wrap Text in the Home tab.
- Hover your mouse over the row number at the left side of the screen.
- Double-click the bottom edge of the row header to adjust the height automatically.
If you want more control, you can also drag the row border manually to make space for all wrapped text.
Why Use Wrap Text and Merge Cells?
- They help keep your worksheet neat and readable.
- Perfect for making titles, labels, and organized tables.
- You can format your data visually without resizing columns unnecessarily.
5 FAQs of Wrapping Text and Merging Cells in Excel 2016
1. Can I wrap text in multiple cells at once?
Yes, select all the cells together and click the Wrap Text button once. It applies to all selected cells.
2. Why is my text not wrapping even after clicking Wrap Text?
You might need to increase the row height manually or ensure the cell is not merged incorrectly.
3. What happens to data when I merge cells?
Only the top-left cell’s content remains. Excel deletes data in the other merged cells.
4. Can I unmerge cells in Excel 2016?
Yes, just select the merged cell, go to Home → Merge & Center → choose Unmerge Cells.
5. How do I center text without merging?
Use the “Center Across Selection” alignment option from Format Cells → Alignment tab.
Conclusion
Wrapping text and merging cells in Excel 2016 are simple yet powerful formatting tools. Wrapping makes long content easier to read, while merging helps you design clear headers and organize data better. With these easy steps and shortcuts, you can keep your Excel sheets looking clean, balanced, and professional.
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