How to merge and split cells in Table in Word

What is the use of split cells and merge cells option in table?

The Split cell option lets you split one cell into multiple cells so that you can create something from the existing table. On the other hand, the Merge cells option helps you merge two or more cells into one. Both options are included in the Word app and you can use them if you have the latest version of Microsoft 365.

When it comes down to splitting and merging a table in Microsoft Word in order to make them more exciting and beneficial, you can be sure this task is possible. This article will explain in great detail how to get the job done in the simplest of manners.

How to merge and split tables along with cells in Word

The information below will explain in as much detail as possible to ensure by the end; you have the knowledge needed to merge and split tables and cells where Microsoft Word is concerned. First, we will look at how to join cells in the Microsoft Word table to begin with.

Launch Microsoft Word
Open a document
Select the cells you want to merge
Merge your cells
Split Cells in Microsoft Word as required.

1] Launch Microsoft Word

OK, so as usual, the first thing you will want to do here is to fire up Microsoft Word from either the Desktop or the Start Menu section.

2] Open a document

After launching Word, you can choose to open a new document from the main menu or an already saved document located on your hard drive or in the cloud.

3] Select the cells you want to merge

Bear in mind that this article suspects you already know how to create a table in Word and probably already have one made and populated with information.

Alright then. So, you will now want to select the cells you want to merge in a table. The selected cells can be adjacent in a column or row. Or they can span multiple columns and rows if this is what you want to do.

4] Merge your cells

After selecting the preferred cells, please right-click one of the selected cells. From there, choose the option that reads, Merge Cells via the context menu.

Alternatively, you could click on the Layout tab, then select Table Tools > Merge Cells.

5] Split Cells in Microsoft Word as required

OK, so we should point out that splitting cells in Microsoft Word is a bit complicated compared to merging them, but easy enough nonetheless.

Select a single cell: The first thing you want to do here is to choose the cell you want to split. Be sure to select only one because having multiple chosen would only give the option to merge rather than split.
Click on Split Cells: After you’ve decided which cell you want to split. Please right-click on that cell, and from the context menu, click on the section that reads Split Cells. A small window should now appear with a few things to choose from
Choose the number of rows and columns: You can decide how many columns and rows you want to create from a single cell from the small window. Make your changes, then hit the OK button to split the cell into more than one.

Why can’t I merge cells in Word Table?

There may come a time when you’re not able to merge cells in the Microsoft Word table, so why is this? Maybe the Table cell is too narrow in order to look at the entire field code. To solve this, you can right-click the field code you want to edit and then click Edit Field. Now, from within the Field dialog box, click Field Codes, then make the changes, and that’s it for that.

What is the use of split cells and merge cells option in table?

The Split cell option lets you split one cell into multiple cells so that you can create something from the existing table. On the other hand, the Merge cells option helps you merge two or more cells into one. Both options are included in the Word app, and you can use them if you have the latest version of Microsoft 365.

That’s all! Hope it helped.

Read: How to stop Word from automatically creating Horizontal Lines.