How to Merge Cells in Google Sheets
Learn how to merge cells in Google Sheets to combine multiple cells into one. Merge horizontally across columns, vertically down rows, or combine entire cell ranges.
Quick Answer
To merge cells in Google Sheets: Select the cells you want to merge, then go to Format > Merge cells > Choose Merge all, Merge horizontally, or Merge vertically.
Toolbar shortcut:
Click the Merge cells icon in the toolbar (square with arrows) for quick access to merge options.
How to Merge All Cells
Merge all combines all selected cells into one large cell. This is the most common merge option, typically used for creating titles or headers that span multiple columns.
Select the cells to merge
Click on the first cell, then drag to select all cells you want to combine. For example, select A1:D1 to merge four cells in a row.
Open the Format menu
Click Format in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
Select Merge all
Hover over Merge cells, then click Merge all. All selected cells will combine into a single cell.
Data Warning
When merging cells with data, only the content from the upper-left cell is kept. Data in other cells will be deleted. Google Sheets will show a warning before proceeding.
How to Merge Cells Horizontally
Merge horizontally combines cells across columns within each row. If you select a range spanning multiple rows, each row will be merged separately.
Select a range of cells
Select a rectangular range like A1:C3 (3 columns, 3 rows).
Go to Format > Merge cells
Click Format in the menu, then hover over Merge cells.
Select Merge horizontally
Click Merge horizontally. Each row will be merged separately: Row 1 columns merge into one cell, Row 2 columns merge into another, and so on.
Use case: Table headers
Merge horizontally is useful when you want category headers that span multiple columns while keeping rows separate.
How to Merge Cells Vertically
Merge vertically combines cells down a column within each column. If you select multiple columns, each column will be merged separately.
Select a range of cells
Select a rectangular range like A1:C3 (3 columns, 3 rows).
Go to Format > Merge cells
Click Format in the menu, then hover over Merge cells.
Select Merge vertically
Click Merge vertically. Each column will be merged separately: Column A rows merge into one cell, Column B rows merge into another, etc.
| Merge Option | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Merge all | Combines all selected cells into one | Titles, headers spanning multiple columns and rows |
| Merge horizontally | Merges columns within each row | Row-specific headers, category labels |
| Merge vertically | Merges rows within each column | Column labels, grouped row headers |
How to Unmerge Cells
You can easily unmerge cells to split them back into individual cells. Note that data deleted during the original merge will not be restored.
Select the merged cell
Click on the merged cell you want to split.
Go to Format > Merge cells
Click Format in the menu, then hover over Merge cells.
Select Unmerge
Click Unmerge. The merged cell will split back into separate cells. The content will remain in the upper-left cell.
Toolbar shortcut
You can also click the Merge cells icon in the toolbar. If cells are merged, clicking it again will unmerge them (toggle behavior).
How to Merge Cells on Mobile
You can merge cells in the Google Sheets mobile app on iPhone and Android.
iPhone / iPad
- Open your spreadsheet in the Sheets app
- Select the cells you want to merge
- Tap the Format icon (A with lines)
- Tap Cell tab
- Toggle Merge cells on
Android
- Open your spreadsheet in the Sheets app
- Select the cells you want to merge
- Tap the Format icon (A with lines)
- Go to Cell section
- Toggle Merge cells on
Mobile limitation
The mobile app only offers "Merge cells" (equivalent to Merge all). For horizontal or vertical merge options, use the desktop or web version.
Pro Tips for Merging Cells
Consider Center Across Selection instead
Instead of merging, you can center text across cells without actually merging them. This preserves individual cells for formulas. Select cells, go to Format > Alignment > Center.
Merged cells affect sorting and filtering
Merged cells can cause issues with sorting and filtering. Avoid merging cells in data tables that you need to sort or filter. Use formatting (borders, colors) instead.
Use TEXTJOIN to combine cell contents
If you want to combine the text from multiple cells without losing data, use the TEXTJOIN function: =TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A1:C1)
Copy merged cells format with Paint Format
Select a merged cell, click the Paint Format icon (paint roller), then select other cells to apply the same merge pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I merge cells in Google Sheets?
Select the cells you want to merge, then go to Format > Merge cells and choose your option: Merge all, Merge horizontally, or Merge vertically. You can also use the merge icon in the toolbar.
What happens to data when I merge cells?
Only the content from the upper-left cell is kept. Data in all other cells will be deleted. Google Sheets will warn you if multiple cells contain data before merging.
How do I unmerge cells in Google Sheets?
Select the merged cell, go to Format > Merge cells > Unmerge. Or click the merge button in the toolbar again to toggle off.
Is there a keyboard shortcut for merging cells?
There is no default shortcut, but you can use keyboard navigation: Alt + O, M, A (Windows) or Option + O, M, A (Mac) to access Format > Merge cells > Merge all.
Can I merge cells without losing data?
No, merging always keeps only the upper-left cell's content. To combine text from multiple cells, use =TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A1:C1) or =CONCATENATE(A1, " ", B1, " ", C1) first.
Why can't I sort my data after merging cells?
Merged cells interfere with sorting because they span multiple rows or columns. Unmerge the cells before sorting, or avoid using merged cells in data ranges that need to be sorted.
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