Merge 3 cells then split into two

[runnymeade]

Due to other formatting in my spreadsheet, I need to merge 3 cells, then split them back into two cells. Is this even possible?

Thanks in advance.

[Sam Capricci]

with formulas you would need helper columns. Something like in cell D1 =A1&B1&C1 then you'd have to decide on how you want the split apart for the two columns by maybe using text to columns and that would happen from D1 to E1 (and down).

[FDibbins]

runnymeade welcome to the forum

Hard to offer advice without seeing a sample of what you have - and what you want. Can you upload a small (clean) sample workbook (not a pic) of what you are working with, and what your expected outcome would look like.

Also, please update your profile as necessary to at least show which country you are in. Members may need to tailor answers based on your regional settings.

[runnymeade]

How do I upload a spreadsheet? I don't see an attachment function?

[FDibbins]

To attach a file to your post,
click advanced (next to quick post),
scroll down until you see "manage file",
click that and select "add files" (top right corner).
click "select files" find your file, click "open" click "upload" click 'done" bottom right. click "submit reply"

Once the upload is completed the file name will appear below the input boxes in this window.
You can then close the window to return to the new post screen.

[runnymeade]

I must have a different version then you do.

I did find the advanced option,

I don't see / have a "manage file" option, I do have a "manage attachments" where I've uploaded my sample spreadsheet.

I do not see "add files" in the upper right corner - it's blank

So none of the rest is there either???????????????


To attach a file to your post,
click advanced (next to quick post),
scroll down until you see "manage file",
click that and select "add files" (top right corner).
click "select files" find your file, click "open" click "upload" click 'done" bottom right. click "submit reply"

Once the upload is completed the file name will appear below the input boxes in this window.
You can then close the window to return to the new post screen.

[Sam Capricci]

below the reply box (where I'm typing now) are three buttons, post quick reply, go advanced and cancel. to upload an attachment, hit the go advanced instead of the post quick reply. then about midway down (below the box for replies) is a blue "manage attachments" hyperlink. hit that and it opens another tab where at the upper left corner it is titled manage attachments and below that is "upload files from your computer" and below that is a button "Choose File". Select Choose File and if you saved the file to your desktop (easiest place to put it and find it) then select that path. When you've selected the file, hit the "Choose" button, then the "upload" button at the top far right, then submit reply and it should be done.

[FDibbins]

Sambo, Thanks for the assist

[runnymeade]

I've tried that, let's see what happens when I hit the reply button.

I guess having a simple attach function like most of the computer world would have been too easy.


I typed the above two lines before I hit "Preview Post". I know see my attachment waiting to be sent.

[FDibbins]

Your file came through fine, but all you have is empty cells?

3 empty single cells
3 cells merged into an empty cell
Then again, 3 cells merged into an empty cell

We need to see samples of what you want

	B	C	D
3	a	b	c
4
5	abc
6
7	?

	B	C	D
3	aa	bb	cc
4
5	aabbcc
6
7	aab
8
9	bcc

You need to give us more to go on

[runnymeade]

I think you all are trying too hard on this one. I know my example is not perfect.

Let me try this again. There are no formulas involved, no special characters. I simply need to know of there is a way to merge 3 cells and then split that new cell back into two even cells?

You can do it in a word document table easy enough. In the "Layout" tab for Table Tools there are shortcuts for "Merge Cells" and "Split Cells"

See the attachment.


If it can't be done, I'll just have to go back and reformat the bulk of my original file.

[Sam Capricci]

well obviously you've found the merge function and that would be how to do it. The problem is, let's say that you have values in B3, C3 and D3 (your spreadsheet example) and you want to merge them into what your example showed in B5. Excel will take the value in B3 and merge that across the three cells getting rid of the cells in C3 and D3. I am not aware of any way to do this without a helper column and a formula similar to what I gave you in my first post. It may be something that can be done with VBA and that would be a question for the VBA experts on this forum. Splitting back into two cells would also take a formula that would be written in another column/cell likely with a search or find formula or again, VBA.

[runnymeade]

Another point of clarification - no data from above the merged line (3 cells) will be used below the merged line (2 cells).

[FDibbins]

OK I think I understand now, and yes, I was overthinking.

No, I do not think you can do that.. When you unmerge cells, they go back to what they were, and if you think about it, that makes sense...you have cells in 3 columns, you merge them into 1 cell across 3 columns - good so far.

Now you want to split 1 (3 really) cell(s) across 3 columns, into 2...still across 3 columns? That would make 1 1/2 cells in each column, which is not possible

So, I think the answer to this is, no you cannot do what you want to

What exactly are you trying to do?