Merging cells combines two or more adjacent cells into one larger cell
When you merge cells in Microsoft Word, you're combining the space of separate cells into a single cell. This is useful when you want a header to span multiple columns, or when your table layout needs cells of different sizes. Word keeps the content from the first cell and discards content from the other cells being merged, so copy anything you need before you start.
The process works the same way in Word for Windows, Word for Mac, and Word Online. You select the cells you want to combine, then use the merge command from the Table Design tab. The merged cell behaves like any other cell — you can type in it, format it, or split it back apart later if you change your mind.
Key Takeaways
- Select the cells you want to merge by clicking and dragging across them, or by holding Ctrl and clicking each cell individually.
- Go to the Table Design tab, find the Merge Cells button in the Merge group, and click it to combine your selection into one cell.
- Word keeps only the content from the first cell in your selection, so copy any text from the other cells before merging.
- You can split a merged cell back into separate cells at any time using the Split Cells command on the same Table Design tab.
How to select the cells you want to merge
Click inside the first cell you want to merge. Then hold down your mouse button and drag to the last cell in your selection. As you drag, Word highlights all the cells you're selecting. Release the mouse button when you've covered all the cells you need.
If the cells aren't next to each other in a straight line, use a different method: click the first cell, then hold Ctrl (or Command on Mac) and click each additional cell you want to include. This lets you select cells that are scattered across your table, though most merges involve cells that are adjacent — either in a row or in a column.
Finding and using the Merge Cells button
With your cells selected, look at the ribbon at the top of Word. Click the Table Design tab (it appears when you have a table selected). In the Merge group — usually on the left side of the ribbon — you'll see a button labeled Merge Cells. Click it once.
Word combines your selected cells into a single cell when ready. If you see a dialog box asking what to do with the content, choose to keep the content from the first cell. The merged cell takes on the width and height of all the cells you combined.
What happens to text when you merge cells
Word keeps only the text from the first cell in your selection and removes text from all other cells. If you selected cells left to right, the leftmost cell's content stays. If you selected cells top to bottom, the topmost cell's content stays. Any text in the other cells disappears permanently.
Before you merge, copy any important text from the cells you're combining. Paste it into the first cell, or into a separate document, so you don't lose it. Once you click Merge Cells, the other content is gone unless you undo the action when ready with Ctrl+Z (or Command+Z on Mac).
Merging cells across multiple rows or columns
You can merge cells in any pattern — across a row, down a column, or in a rectangular block. Select all the cells in the area you want to combine, then click Merge Cells. Word treats the result as a single cell, even if it spans four columns and three rows.
A common use is creating a header that spans the full width of your table. Select all the cells in the top row, merge them, then type your header text. Another common pattern is a label cell on the left that spans several rows, with data cells on the right.
Splitting a merged cell back into separate cells
If you need to undo a merge, click inside the merged cell. Go back to the Table Design tab and look for the Split Cells button, usually right next to Merge Cells. Click it, and a dialog box appears asking how many rows and columns you want the cell split into.
Type the number of rows and columns you need, then click OK. Word divides the merged cell back into the separate cells. Any text in the merged cell stays in the first cell of the split result. The other cells will be empty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I merge cells that aren't touching each other?
No. Word only merges cells that are adjacent — next to each other in a continuous block. If you need to combine non-adjacent cells, you'll need to rearrange your table structure or use a different approach, like adjusting column widths or using nested tables.
What if I accidentally merged the wrong cells?
Press Ctrl+Z (or Command+Z on Mac) when ready to undo the merge. If you've done other work since the merge, undo will step back through each action one at a time until you reach the merge. Alternatively, click the merged cell and use Split Cells to divide it back up.
Does merging cells change the table's total size?
No. Merging combines the space of existing cells but doesn't add or remove rows or columns from your table. The overall table dimensions stay the same — you're just reorganizing how the space is divided.
Can I merge cells in Word Online the same way?
Yes. Select your cells, then look for the Merge Cells option in the Table Design tab. Word Online has the same merge and split functions as the desktop version, though the ribbon layout may look slightly different depending on your screen size.