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How to Merge and Split Cells of a Table in MS-Word

Merging Cells in a Table in MS Word

Combining more than two cells into one is called “merging cells,” and dividing one cell into more cells is referred to as “splitting cells.” Similarly, dividing a table into more tables is called a “split table.”

To merge and split cells in a table in a Word document, follow the steps below.

1. How to Merge Cells in a Word

Merging cells is the process of combining many cells into one. To unite the cells into one, take the following actions:

Go to the Insert tab
Click Table

Hover over the gridlines with enough rows and columns, and then click to insert a table.

Insert a table with enough rows and columns using one of the table options.
Insert a table with enough rows and columns using one of the table options.
Now select enough cells in a table
Selecting cells in a table
Selecting cells in a table
After that, click the Merge Cells to merge all the selected cells into one cell, as in the screenshot below.
After that, click the Merge Cells to merge all the selected cells into one cell as in the screenshot below.
Merging cells in a table in MS Word
Merging cells in a table in MS Word

2. Split Cells in Word

Splitting cells means dividing one cell into two or more two cells. To split the cells of a table, do the following:

Select or position the cursor in one of the cells in a table that you want to split 
Go to the Layout tab
Click on the Split cells.
Split cells in a table in Word
Split cells in a table in Word
On the Split Cells pop-up, choose the number of columns and rows you want to add by splitting a cell
Then click OK.

Note: The cells are splinted as in the screenshot below.

Splitted cells in a table
Split Cells

3. Split Table in MS-Word

Dividing a table into more tables is called a split table

After inserting the table, place the cursor under any cell in a row, rather than the table you want to divide.
On the Layout tab, in the Merge group, click on the Split Table.
Now your table is successfully divided as you wish.
Split a Table in Microsoft Word
Split a Table in Microsoft Word

Video Tutorial

What are the Merge and Split Cells of a Table in Word?

It is known as “splitting cells” when two cells are split into more than one and “merging cells” when more than two cells are combined into one. A “split table” is what you get when you divide a table into multiple tables.

How do I merge cells in a table in MS Word?

To merge cells in Word, select the cells you want to merge, go to the “Layout” tab, and click “Merge Cells” in the “Merge” group.

Can I merge cells vertically and horizontally in a table?

Yes, you can merge cells both vertically and horizontally. Select the cells you want to merge, and then choose “Merge Cells” from the “Layout” tab. You can also split cells accordingly.

How can I merge or split cells in a table within a header row or column?

To merge or split cells in a header row or column, follow the same steps as for regular cells. Word allows you to customize table headers in this way for better organization and presentation.

What’s the purpose of merging cells in a table?

Merging cells is used to create larger cells for headers, titles, or to format tables with complex layouts. It’s a useful feature for customizing table structures in Word.