How to merge cells in Google Sheets - A DataSherpas Quick Tip

A DataSherpas Quick Tip.

Merging cells in Google Sheets may be helpful in a few different scenarios, for example:

For presentation purposes. Like a title block across the top of several cells of data.
For adding notes to a Google Sheet. Merging cells will allow you to have a block of text spanning multiple rows and/or columns in your sheet. This could be used to add explanatory notes or instructions for other people viewing your Google Sheet.

Cells can be merged either horizontally, across rows; or vertically down columns; or both.

In this quick tip article we explain how how to merge cells on Google Sheets, with step by step instructions, screen shots, and a video overview.

Merging cells horizontally. Merge cells in the same row (across multiple columns) together.

First open your new or existing Google Sheet.

Next click your mouse button on the left most cell of the range you want merge.

Then hold your left mouse button down and drag across to the right.

Stop dragging when you reach the furthest cell you want to merge.

Your screen should look like this:

highlight cells to be merged horizontally

With the cells to be merged highlighted go to the Format Menu at the top of your Google Sheet.

Choose “Merge Cells” from the sub menu

Then choose “Merge Horizontally” from the options listed.

The cells you have highlighted in your Google Sheet should now appear as a single cell that spans multiple columns.

merged cells now appear as a single cell

You can now add or edit text in the cell and format as you would normally.

Merge cells vertically. Merge cells in the same column (across multiple rows) together.

Merging cells vertically in a Google Sheet follows the same process as merging horizontally except you select cells to merge up and down a column rather than left to right in a row.

Click your mouse in the top cell of the range of cells you wish to merge vertically.

Hold down your left mouse button and drag vertically (usually downwards but you can also select upwards).

Stop dragging when you reach the furthest cell you want to merge.

Your screen should look like this:

With the cells to be merged highlighted go to the Format Menu at the top of your Google Sheet.

Choose “Merge Cells” from the sub menu

Then choose “Merge Vertically” from the options listed.

The cells you chose to merge should now appear as a single cell spanning multiple rows in a single column.

merged cells vertically now appear as a single cell

Merge All – merge everything – horizontally and vertically.

You have probably seen another option in the format menu – Merge All.

Using this option will merge cells both horizontally and vertically into one big merged cell spanning multiple rows and columns.

Select the cells to be merged – choose one cell, hold down the left mouse button and select all the cells in the range you wish to merge.

Go to the Format menu at the top of your sheet.

Choose “Merge Cells” and then the “Merge All” option.

All the cells in your selection will now appear as one large merged cell.

merge all cells appear as one large cell

Short cuts.

Instead of selecting your cells and going to the Format menu each time you can use the “Merge Cells” shortcut button

Examples of using merged cells in your Google Sheets

Create a heading across a group of cells.

Creating guidances notes, instructions or areas to explain data in your Google Sheet

Use alignment and formatting to align the text correctly (top, middle or bottom) and use wrap text to keep the text contained within your merged cell.

Create a vertical title

Use alignment, formatting and wrap text to align the text correctly.

Things to be aware of using merge cells in Google Sheets.

If you have data in the cells you are merging only the data in the top left most cell will be kept. All other data in the cells you are merging will be removed.

Google sheets will give you a warning when you attempt to merge cells with existing data in them.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about merging cells in Google Sheets.

Q – how to merge cells in google sheets without losing data

A – You can’t. Other than the data in top left cell of those you are merging, all data will be removed from the cells. There are alternative ways around this using other techniques, like concatenating data in a new column and removing the original columns, and various other techniques (see linked articles at the bottom of this page for more information). There are also additional add-ons / extensions that may solve this issue. We aim to review a few alternatives in a future article.

Q – how to unmerge cells in google sheets

A – Select the merged cell. Go to the Format menu, then the “Merge Cells” sub menu and click “Unmerge” option.

Summary

Merging cells in Google Sheets can help you to present your data in a more intuitive way and help guide the viewers of your Google Sheet on key aspects of the data you are presenting.

We hope you found this quick tip article useful. Please use the comments below or our contact form if you have any questions about this article or need any more information to help you.

How to merge cells in Google Sheets.