How to Merge and Split Cells in a Google Docs™ Table

In Google Docs™, merging and splitting cells is a right-click away: select adjacent cells and choose 'Merge cells', or right-click a single cell and choose 'Split cell' to divide it into a grid of smaller cells.

Merged cells are what turn a plain grid into a readable layout — a title row spanning the whole table, a category label covering three rows, a two-line header. Here's how to do both operations, and what to watch out for.

Merge cells#

1. Click and drag to select the cells you want to combine. They must be adjacent — side by side, stacked, or a rectangular block.
2. Right-click the selection and choose Merge cells.
3. The cells become one; existing content from all merged cells is kept inside it.

To undo the merge later, right-click the merged cell and choose Unmerge cells. The cell divides back along its original grid lines.

Split a cell#

Splitting works on one cell at a time:

1. Right-click the cell you want to divide and choose Split cell.
2. In the dialog, enter how many rows and columns the cell should be split into (for example 1 row × 2 columns to divide it in half vertically).
3. Click Split.

This also works on a previously merged cell — handy when 'Unmerge' isn't offered or you want a different layout than the original grid.

Common pitfalls#

• Sorting a table with merged cells can produce odd results, because merged cells break the one-value-per-row assumption. If you plan to sort your table, keep the data area free of merges and only merge cells in header rows.
• Copying tables with merged cells into Google Sheets™ or other apps often shifts values into the wrong columns — flatten the layout first if the data needs to travel.
• Selection must be rectangular. If 'Merge cells' is greyed out, your selection probably spans a non-rectangular area or crosses an existing merged cell.

Formatting after the merge#

Merged header cells usually want centered, bold text and a background color. You can set those manually via the toolbar and Format > Table, or apply a ready-made look in one click with the free Text To Table Converter Add-On: select the table, then Extensions > Text To Table Converter > Table Styles.

Get the Add-On#

Get the Add-On - Free

Text To Table Converter

Style tables in one click, for free: The free Text To Table Converter add-on includes table style presets and a table editor for Docs™, Slides™, and Sheets™.

Install free

Next Step: Sort Without Breaking Your Header#

• How to Sort a Table in Google Docs™ (and Keep the Header Row in Place) - Sort ascending or descending, and pin your header rows so they stay put.
• How to Format a Table in Google Docs™ So It Looks Professional - Make the finished table look right with preset styles.