How to Merge Cells in Google Sheets: A Step-By-Step Guide

To combine two or more cells in Google Sheets, you can use the merge function. This is typically used for formatting your data. Once you merge cells, data analysis can become tricky in Google Sheets because it limits the functionality for sorting, copying, pasting, and moving data, so it's most often used for aesthetic purposes.

Below, we'll explore merging and unmerging cells in Google Sheets and the common errors to avoid when doing so. Let's get into it.

How to merge cells

Here's a quick summary of the steps you'll take to merge cells in Google Sheets:

1. Highlight the cells that you want to merge. 

2. Go to Format in the top menu.

3. Hover over Merge cells and choose a merging method.

Let's take a closer look at each step.

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To begin, you'll need your tab open to your spreadsheet. If you’re not already working with your own data set and want to follow along with our examples, make a copy of this Google Sheets template to practice.

1. Highlight the cells that you want to merge. 

The example below is for combining the three “Director” columns into one. This makes the data look cleaner and indicates that each name in these columns falls under the directory category.

2. Go to 'Format' in the top menu. 

Click on the Format tab and a dropdown menu will appear.

3. Hover over 'Merge cells' and choose a merging method.

Your options are Merge all, Merge vertically, or Merge horizontally. Click on the one that suits your needs. In this example, we will select Merge horizontally.

Your cells will merge into one cell titled Director (1). You can format this merged cell however you like. In this example, we removed the (1) and center-aligned the text. It will look like this:

Which way to merge?

You have three options for the merge function. “Merge all” will combine all highlighted cells into one cell, as seen above. “Merge vertically” will just merge cells in each column if you highlight multiple columns, which you might use if you want to create columns (without data). “Merge horizontally” will merge cells in each row for your selected rows. You might use this function if you have several rows of titles for your data. Learn more: How to Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets

How to unmerge cells in Google Sheets

To unmerge your cells, simply highlight the merged cell. Then, go to Format > Merge cells > Unmerge. The combined cells will become single cells again.

Common errors when merging cells

If you try to merge several cells that each have text inside of them, then only the top-leftmost value will stay and become the main text in the merged cell. An error message will appear asking whether you want to merge anyway. You can click the “OK” button or proceed to cancel.

Limitations and alternatives

Merging cells can be problematic if you are analyzing data. Merged cells may not be picked up when you sort, copy, paste, or move data, so you will end up losing data integrity of the rows and columns, which could lead to inaccuracies. To avoid this, use the merge function only for improving the aesthetics of your sheet, or else you could risk losing important data.

Learn more with Google

Interested in strengthening your abilities to work with data using Google Sheets?

In Google Cloud's Getting Started with Google Workspace Specialization, you'll learn how to solve business challenges using Google Workspace, including Google Sheets, Google Docs, Google Slides, and more.

In Google's Data Analytics Professional Certificate, meanwhile, you'll learn more about spreadsheets and other key analysis tools as you build the skills needed to land an entry-level data analysis position.