What is the difference between merge across and merge cells

Next: Formatting. Table of contents Cells. Important: You cannot split an unmerged cell. Merge cells Merge two or more cells by following these steps: Select two or more adjacent cells you want to merge. Merge cells Click the first cell and press Shift while you click the last cell in the range you want to merge.

Need more help? Expand your skills. Get new features first. Was this information helpful? Yes No. Thank you! Any more feedback? The more you tell us the more we can help. Can you help us improve? Resolved my issue. Clear instructions. Easy to follow. Upon doing so, Excel consolidated all the data into cell A1 and removed cells B1 through E1 from the worksheet. Additionally, Excel automatically centered the data in cell A1. Because Merge Cells changes the structure of the worksheet, this technique can have some downside.

For example, when Excel merges cells, you can no longer sort on the column where the data resides. Technically, that entry lies in cell D7. However, because Merge Cells was used to center it across columns B and C. Therefore, we can no longer sort the data in the report, illustrating one of several drawbacks associated with Merge Cells. In contrast to Merge Cells, Center Across Selection merely changes cell formats and truly centers data across a selected range. This attribute contrasts with Merge Cells deleting cells from the worksheet.

Accordingly, when you use Center Across Selection, you reduce the risk of adverse consequences like those associated with Merge Cells. To invoke Center Across Selection, begin by selecting the cells you want to center and the range over which you want them centered.

Then, as shown in Figure 2 , execute Center Across Selection by clicking the dialog launcher in the Alignment group on the Home tab of the Ribbon. I would suggest you don't bother learning the difference between the two functions. Better to ignore any type of cell merging and never use it.

Merged cells was the dumbest feature ever come up with. Creates no end of problems with copying, pasting, sorting, filtering, autofitting and a host of other functions. October 14th 07, PM posted to microsoft. What is the difference between merge and centre and merge acro.

Thanks, Jim and Gord. Just a curiosity and a new feature I noticed. Thread Tools. Smilies are On. Trackbacks are On. Pingbacks are On. The Unmerge Cells command on the ribbon does the same thing. Core Excel. Related shortcuts Undo last action. Ctrl Z. Email HP. I just wanted to let you know that after years of being afraid of formula we never learned Excel at school and relying on others to do the complicated stuff - i found your website and it is now my go-to every time.

I have learned so much and pretty self-sufficient now.