All shortcuts

Merge Cells in Google Sheets

Windows

AltHMA

Mac

OptionHMA

Merging header cells is a mouse-trip in Google Sheets: Format menu, then Merge cells, then the option. Excel users just type Alt H M and pick a merge mode.

XLKeys brings the sequence to Sheets: Alt H M A merges the selected range, and Alt H M U unmerges it. No toolbar, no menu digging.

Excel vs. Google Sheets vs. XLKeys

WhereShortcut
ExcelAltHMA (Merge & Center family)
Google Sheets (native)No keyboard shortcut
Google Sheets + XLKeysAltHMA

Google Sheets merges cells only through Format > Merge cells or the toolbar button — no native shortcut.

How to use it

  1. Select the range to merge.
  2. Press Alt, release it, then type H, M, A.
  3. The range merges into one cell.
  4. To undo it later, select the merged cell and press Alt → H → M → U.

Frequently asked questions

Related shortcuts

Make Google Sheets feel like Excel

Install XLKeys to use merge cells and 150+ other Excel-style shortcuts, Alt-key sequences, formula auditing, Goal Seek, and Sensitivity Tables in Google Sheets.