Google Sheets is an incredibly flexible tool for managing data, and sometimes you want certain cells to span multiple rows for a cleaner look. This is called vertical merging.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to merge cells vertically in Google Sheets, discuss why and when it’s useful, and share tips for maintaining proper formatting.
What Does “Merge Cells Vertically” Mean?
Merging cells vertically combines multiple cells in the same column into a single cell that spans multiple rows.
Example:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apple | 10 |
| Apple | 15 |
| Banana | 20 |
After merging vertically (Apple):
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apple | 10 |
| 15 | |
| Banana | 20 |
This creates a cleaner table for reporting or presentation purposes.
Why Merge Cells Vertically in Google Sheets?
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Organize repetitive data visually
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Create cleaner reports and tables
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Highlight categories or group items
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Improve readability for charts and presentations
Step-by-Step Guide: Merge Cells Vertically
Method 1: Using the Toolbar
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Open your Google Sheets document.
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Select the cells you want to merge vertically (e.g., multiple rows in a single column).
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Look for the Merge cells icon in the toolbar (it looks like a rectangle with two arrows).
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Click the dropdown next to the icon and choose Merge vertically.
Method 2: Using the Format Menu
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Select the cells to merge.
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Go to the Format menu at the top.
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Hover over Merge cells.
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Click Merge vertically from the submenu.
How to Unmerge Cells
If you want to undo a vertical merge:
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Select the merged cell.
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Click the Merge cells icon in the toolbar, or go to Format → Merge cells → Unmerge.
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The merged cell will split back into individual rows.
Tips for Vertical Merging
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Only merge cells in a single column for vertical merging
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Avoid merging cells that contain important data in multiple rows—Google Sheets keeps only the top-left cell’s content
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Use merged cells for labels or categories, not for numeric calculations
Things to Keep in Mind
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Merged cells can affect sorting and filtering
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Formulas may behave differently in merged ranges
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Avoid merging cells in tables that need frequent data entry or pivot tables
FAQs
1. Can I merge cells both vertically and horizontally?
Yes, you can first merge vertically and then merge horizontally if needed.
2. Will merging affect formulas in Google Sheets?
Only the top-left cell’s data is preserved. Formulas in other merged cells may be lost.
3. Can I merge non-adjacent cells vertically?
No, Google Sheets only allows merging contiguous cells.
4. How do I merge cells without losing data?
Copy the data from other cells before merging, then paste it elsewhere if needed.
5. Is vertical merging available on Google Sheets mobile app?
Yes, you can merge cells vertically on both iOS and Android apps through the Format → Merge cells option.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Vertical merging in Google Sheets is perfect for:
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Cleaning up tables
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Grouping categories
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Making data more readable
How to merge vertically:
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Select the cells
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Click Merge cells icon → Merge vertically, or
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Go to Format → Merge cells → Merge vertically
Tip: Use vertical merges wisely—avoid merging cells needed for formulas or sorting.