Merge Cells Shortcut in Excel (Alt → H → M → C)
Excel has no one-press shortcut for merging cells. The fastest keyboard route on Windows is the ribbon sequence Alt, H, M, C (Merge & Center). On a Mac there is no default key — you use the Merge button or a custom shortcut. Here is every merge action, side by side.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merge & Center (Windows ribbon) | — (no default) | Alt, H, M, C | |
| Merge cells (keep left value) | — (no default) | Alt, H, M, M | |
| Merge across (per row) | — (no default) | Alt, H, M, A | |
| Unmerge cells | — (no default) | Alt, H, M, U | |
| Open Format Cells (Alignment tab) | ⌘1 | Ctrl+1 | |
| Repeat last action (re-merge) | ⌘Y | Ctrl+Y / F4 |
Why there is no single merge key
Microsoft never assigned a direct keyboard shortcut to Merge & Center. On Windows you reach it through the ribbon accelerator keys: press and release Alt, then H (Home tab), then M (Merge), then C for Merge & Center. You don't hold them down — tap them in sequence.
The four merge options
After Alt, H, M the menu opens: C = Merge & Center, M = Merge Cells (no centering), A = Merge Across (merges each row of the selection separately), U = Unmerge. Only the top-left value is kept when cells merge.
On a Mac
Excel for Mac has no default merge shortcut at all. Use the Merge & Center button on the Home ribbon, or open ⌘1 → Alignment and tick Merge cells. To get a key, add Merge & Center to the Quick Access area or create one under Tools → Customize Keyboard if your build supports it.
Faster repeat
Merged one block and want the same on another? Select the next range and press Ctrl+Y or F4 on Windows (⌘Y on Mac) to repeat the last merge.
FAQ
What is the shortcut to merge cells in Excel?
There is no single key. On Windows press Alt, then H, then M, then C in sequence for Merge & Center. On Mac there is no default shortcut — use the Merge & Center button.
Is there a Merge Cells shortcut on Mac?
No. Excel for Mac has no built-in merge shortcut. Use the Merge & Center ribbon button, or Format Cells (⌘1) → Alignment → Merge cells.
How do I unmerge cells with the keyboard?
On Windows select the merged cell and press Alt, H, M, U. On Mac click the Merge & Center button again to toggle it off.
What does Merge Across do?
Merge Across (Alt, H, M, A on Windows) merges the selected cells in each row separately, so a multi-row selection becomes one merged cell per row instead of one big cell.