Having merged cells of the same size improves the overall look and feel of a document. It can also help provide clarity and understanding, since merged cells with different sizes can cause confusion. This guide will provide an overview of what merged cells are, how to ensure they are always the same size during an operation, and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.
What Are Merged Cells?
Merged cells are two or more cells that have been combined into a single large cell. This is done by selecting two or more cells and then clicking the 'Merge Cells' button in the spreadsheet ribbon in Microsoft Excel.
Once merged, these cells will form a single cell that is the size of the largest of the merged cells. This can be an issue if the cells you're merging are different sizes. The result can be a merged cell with an inconsistent look that detracts from the overall appearance of the table.
How to Ensure Merged Cells Are Identically Sized During an Operation
There are a few steps you can take to ensure merged cells remain the same size.
- Select the cells to be merged.
- Click the Merge Cells button in the ribbon.
- Right click on one of the merged cells and select Format Cells.
- On the Alignment tab, in the "Text Alignment" section, check the box labeled "Merge cells before aligning text".
- Click OK.
The merged cells will now remain the same size when the operation is performed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are merged cells?
Merged cells are two or more cells that have been combined into a single large cell in Microsoft Excel.
Why should I use merged cells?
Merged cells can provide clarity and uniformity to a spreadsheet, while also making the document easier to use and understand.
Are merged cells permanent?
Merged cells are not permanent and can be unmerged at any time. To unmerge a cell, simply select it and click the 'Unmerge Cells' button in the ribbon.
Why should I use the "Merge cells before aligning text" option when merging cells?
Using the "Merge cells before aligning text" option ensures that the merged cells will remain the same size when the operation is performed. Without this option, the merged cell will be the size of the largest of the merged cells.
What other options or methods can I use to keep merged cells the same size?
You can also use the Distributed Columns, Distributed Rows, or Center Across Selection options. To do this, select the cells to be merged, right click on one of the cells, and select Format Cells. On the Alignment tab, select Distribute Columns, Distribute Rows, or Center Across Selection in the "Horizontal" section and click OK.