How to Merge Cells in a Word Table

To merge cells in a Word table, select the cells you want to combine, then go to the Table Layout tab (called Layout in some versions, including Word for Mac) and select Merge Cells. You can also right-click the selected cells and choose Merge Cells.

These steps come from Microsoft’s Merge or split cells in a table article, which covers the desktop versions of Word for Windows and Mac. Microsoft notes that some table features may not be available in Word for the web or the mobile apps.

In this article:

• Merge cells in Word for Windows
• Merge cells in Word for Mac
• Unmerge or split cells
• Split a table into two tables
• Tidy up after merging
• FAQs

How to Merge Cells in a Word Table

Merging is useful for a title row that spans the whole table, or a label that covers several rows. Microsoft says you can combine two or more cells in the same row or column into a single cell.

1. Click and drag to select the cells you want to merge. They must be next to each other.
2. Select the Table Layout tab. It only appears while your cursor is inside the table.
3. Select Merge Cells.

As a shortcut, right-click the selected cells and select Merge Cells from the menu.

If you don’t see Merge Cells, make sure you selected more than one cell and that the cells are touching. A single selected cell can’t be merged with anything.

Result: The selected cells become one larger cell that spans the same width or height.

How to Merge Cells in Word for Mac

Microsoft’s Mac steps are almost the same. The only difference is the tab name.

1. Select the cells you want to merge.
2. On the Layout tab next to the Table Design tab, select Merge Cells.

The same rule applies: if Merge Cells isn’t available, check that you selected multiple adjacent cells.

Result: Your cells merge just as they do in Word for Windows.

How to Unmerge or Split Cells

Microsoft gives two ways to reverse or divide a cell in Word for Windows.

Unmerge cells

Select the cells, then select Unmerge Cells. This is the quickest way to undo a merge you no longer want. Right after merging, you can also press Ctrl + Z to undo it.

Split cells

1. Select one or more cells to split.
2. Select Table Layout > Split Cells.
3. Enter the number of columns or rows you want, then select OK.

Split Cells works on any cell, not only merged ones. For example, you can split one cell into two columns to add a second value next to the first.

Result: The cell divides into the number of columns or rows you entered.

How to Split a Table Into Two Tables

Sometimes the better fix is two separate tables, so you can add text between them. Microsoft’s Split a table in Word article covers Word for Windows:

1. Put your cursor on the row that should become the first row of the second table.
2. On the Table Layout tab, in the Merge group, select Split Table.

You can keep splitting the table as long as it has more than one row. Microsoft notes that the steps may differ in Word for Mac, Word for the web and the mobile apps.

Result: The table splits into two separate tables.

How to Tidy Up a Table After Merging

Turn on gridlines

If your table has no borders, it can be hard to see which cells you merged. Click anywhere in the table and select View Gridlines on the Layout tab. The dotted gridlines only show on your screen, not when you print. To turn a table into printable lined paper, see how to create a lined document in Word.

Even out columns and rows

Merging and splitting can leave columns at odd widths. Microsoft’s resize a table guide says to select the columns or rows, then on the Table Layout tab, in the Cell Size group, select Distribute Columns or Distribute Rows. The AutoFit button in the same group sizes columns to fit their contents.

Check the text in merged cells

When you merge cells that already contain text, Word keeps all of it and places each cell’s text on its own line in the new cell. Delete or rearrange the text as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I merge cells that aren’t next to each other?

No. Microsoft says the cells must be adjacent, in the same row or column. Merge the cells in smaller groups if you need a larger block.

Will merged cells cause problems with a header row?

Merging cells in the header row is fine. If your table runs onto more than one page, see how to repeat a header row on each page in Word.

How do I select cells quickly before merging?

Microsoft’s resize guide explains the selection shortcuts: to select a column, click its top gridline or border, and to select a cell, click its edge. To select the entire table, rest the pointer over it until the table move handle appears, then click the handle. If you plan to move the data into a spreadsheet later, see how to convert a Word table to Excel.

For more help, browse our Microsoft Word guides or learn how to insert a table of contents in Word.

Want a border around the whole page instead of a table? See how to add, change, or remove page borders in Word.