Merged cells in Excel are useful for creating visually appealing tables. However, their use should be limited for a variety of reasons. Understanding the problems caused by merged cells will lead you to produce tables that are more creative, functional, and accessible to all.
The Good
Merged cells can make your table look more organized and allow you to create custom headers and titles.
The Bad
Merged cells can interfere with Excel's built-in features like sorting, filtering, and formulas. The sorting and filtering interference causes problems for screen readers. Merged cells also complicate data analysis related to mathematical and statistical formulas and confound aspects like lookup tables. This potential for confusion should make you cautious about using merged cells.
A Few Solutions
Apply Shading and Borders
Use shading, borders, and other formatting options to visually group related cells without merging. This approach not only maintains the functionality of your table but also gives you more control over its design, empowering you to create visually appealing and accessible tables.
Align Content
Align content within cells to create a visual flow. For example, align those cells to the left or center in the same way as the header.
Use Cell Padding and Spacing
Adjust the table’s cell padding and spacing to create a more open and visually balanced look.
Merged Cells and Better Tables
Tables are a primary tool of business and technology. I like the look of merged cells in tables. However, most accessibility guidance discourages tables because we often don't create headers and data with a good hierarchical structure. This is because tables, especially those with merged cells, can be difficult for people with visual impairments or other disabilities to navigate. Merged cells are more your audience's enemy than their friend. Use them sparingly.
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