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Excel Table: How to merge two columns in a Excel Table?

inddon

Member
Hello There,

Merge > 1 columns is possible using the icon 'Merger and Center'.
When you have the active cell in Excel Table, this icon is disabled.

Any clues on how to merge two columns in a Excel Table? I am using Excel 2010.

Thanks & regards
Don
 
Hi Don,

Merging cells in Excel is not a good idea. Try laying your data in different shape. When you merge two cells the first cell with data will super imposed on others. In case of table as each column is unique, merging will cause other column to be blank and may that's why Excel don't allow it.

Regards,
 
Hi Don,

Merging cells in Excel is not a good idea. Try laying your data in different shape. When you merge two cells the first cell with data will super imposed on others. In case of table as each column is unique, merging will cause other column to be blank and may that's why Excel don't allow it.

Regards,

Thanks Somendra for your reply
 
Why do you want to merge?

I am trying to create a data entry screen in the worksheet. Based on the design and alignment of columns the merge columns in table was needed.

Attached a snapshot of the data entry screen of Parent and Child.

merge.jpg

Now without table, for 'Employee Name' columns 'F:G' row 12 is merged. If I keep 'Employee Name' in column 'F' and expand the above column F5 width will increase and spoil the design. This is fine, but I wanted the same using 'Table'

Is there a better way (other than using VBA Form)?

Regards
Don
 
columns the merge columns in table was needed

merged is never needed



Avoid merging cells


Merged cells can help you arrange values in a meaningful way, but they come with problems -- numerous problems, big problems.


For instance, Excel won't apply column formats to a merged cell unless you select all the columns that comprise the merge.


In addition, not all cell formats, stick once you emerge a cell.


You can't sort a column with merged cells.


You can't even select a single-column range if there's a merged cell in it -- go ahead, try!, the whole column will become merged, not good.


You cannot put a filter on it. The problem is the filter is completely useless because the filter will groan with the "merged cells need to be identically sized." Warning, which in English means you have to make each group of merged cells the same size as the largest group. And you have to find them all!


Merging cells in columns and rows could lead to data loss, bad thing.


Formulas and Functions that refer to merged cells will not work, bad thing.


Don't hesitate to use merged cells if you really need them (you don’t), but they will limit what you can do to the cells and even the columns involved.


Center Across Selection is a far better alternative to merging.


To apply this format, select the cells you want to appear merged and then launch the Alignment group dialog, Ctrl + 1, and click the Alignment tab. Center Across Selection is in the Horizontal drop-down.


You will get the desired look you want but without the merged cell's problems.
 
merged is never needed


Avoid merging cells


Merged cells can help you arrange values in a meaningful way, but they come with problems -- numerous problems, big problems.


For instance, Excel won't apply column formats to a merged cell unless you select all the columns that comprise the merge.


In addition, not all cell formats, stick once you emerge a cell.


You can't sort a column with merged cells.


You can't even select a single-column range if there's a merged cell in it -- go ahead, try!, the whole column will become merged, not good.


You cannot put a filter on it. The problem is the filter is completely useless because the filter will groan with the "merged cells need to be identically sized." Warning, which in English means you have to make each group of merged cells the same size as the largest group. And you have to find them all!


Merging cells in columns and rows could lead to data loss, bad thing.


Formulas and Functions that refer to merged cells will not work, bad thing.


Don't hesitate to use merged cells if you really need them (you don’t), but they will limit what you can do to the cells and even the columns involved.


Center Across Selection is a far better alternative to merging.


To apply this format, select the cells you want to appear merged and then launch the Alignment group dialog, Ctrl + 1, and click the Alignment tab. Center Across Selection is in the Horizontal drop-down.


You will get the desired look you want but without the merged cell's problems.


Thank you Bob,

I have learned something new today :)

I tried the Center Across Selection, and that is wonderful

Regards
Don
 
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