How to center headings without merging cells in Excel 2013

Merged cells are annoying at times and create many problems while using various functions. The best practice suggests that merged cells should be avoided as far as possible.

Common issues with merged cells:

• Tools such as pivot tables, data tables etc. are difficult to use with merged cells
• Sorting and filtering the data is difficult
• Using various commonly used excel functions like SUMIF becomes difficult

General motivation behind using merged cells is to create multi-column headings.

Let's see an alternative approach to create multi-column headings without merging cells in Excel 2013.

Enter the heading on the top of one of the columns

To center the given heading over the rest of the adjacent columns:

1. Select the cells till you want to center heading

2. Go to "Alignment settings" button on the Ribbon

3. Under "Horizontal" >>> Click drop down arrow >>> click "Center Across Selection"

4. Click OK.

Visually, this does exactly the same as Merge & Center but importantly, it does not merge the cells.

Alternatively, using shortcut buttons:

1. Type "Ctrl+1" to open "Format Cells" dialog box
2. Press "A" to go to "Alignment" tab
3. Press "Alt+H" for "Horizontal" drop down
4. Select "Center Across Selection"
5. Press OK.

Shortcut summary: Ctrl+1 >>> A >>> Alt+H >>> Center Across Selection >>> OK

Complete the Formatting part

You can now format the headings with common outside border and apply different fill colors to it.