Microsoft Excel Tutorial: How to Paste Data into Merged Cells in Excel – MrExcel Podcast.

Welcome back to the MrExcel podcast. In this episode, we will be discussing a common Excel dilemma – how to paste data into merged cells. This question was sent in from the Netherlands and it’s a tough one. The user has 100 merged cells of varying sizes and needs to paste 100 values into them. But as we all know, simply using the Ctrl+V shortcut will unmerge the cells and ruin the data. So, what’s the solution?

I tried a few different methods, such as selecting only the constants and using paste special values, but that didn’t work. I even tried turning the cells sideways and using center across selection, but that also failed. Finally, I came up with a solution that involves using the INDEX function and enabling iterative calculation. First, select the cells you want to paste into and then select only the constants. Next, use the formula =INDEX(range, F4) and press Ctrl+Enter to fill the formula in all the selected cells. This may give you a circular reference warning, but don’t worry, we will fix that.

To make the formula work, we need to enable iterative calculation. Go to File, then Options, and select Formulas. Check the box for /”Enable Iterative Calculation/” and click OK. This will allow the formula to work and paste the values into the merged cells. Just remember to uncheck this option when you’re done, as it can cause issues with other formulas in your workbook.

But what if you have more data to paste? No problem, just use a helper column. Simply copy the data you want to paste, then paste it into a helper column next to the merged cells. The merged cells will pick up the values from the helper column, giving you an accurate paste. Keep in mind, using merged cells can be tricky and may cause issues with formulas, so use them sparingly. Thank you for watching this episode of the MrExcel podcast, and be sure to tune in next time for more Excel tips and tricks.

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Table of Contents:
(00:00) Paste to Merge Cells
(00:20) Difficulty with copying and pasting into merged cells
(00:37) Attempts to find a solution
(01:18) Solution: Using the INDEX formula
(02:03) Enabling iterative calculation
(03:01) Clicking Like really helps the algorithm

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This video answers these common search terms:
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Episode 1558
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Fariedx asks if there is a way to paste 100 single cells into 100 Merged Cells of varying sizes from 2 to 6 Merged Cells. After reviewing several possible options that just won’t work, Bill then uses a Circular Reference Formula to pull the Data from the Range of Single Cells. Follow along with Episode #1558 to learn this method and to learn why the others just won’t work.

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