How to Center Across Selection in Excel

Centering data in Microsoft Excel is a common task performed by many users, and there are several ways to achieve this. One technique that is often used is called “Center Across Selection.” This technique is particularly useful when you want to center data across multiple columns, instead of just in one column. In this article, we will explain what Center Across Selection is, why you might want to use it, and how to apply it in Excel.

What is ‘Center Across Selection’?

By default, data in Excel is centered within an individual cell. However, sometimes you might want to center data across multiple columns instead of just in one column. This is where “Center Across Selection” comes in handy. Center Across Selection is a formatting option in Excel that allows you to center data across several columns without merging cells.

Why Use Center Across Selection?

Centering data across several columns is useful in situations where you have a title or label that spans several columns. This formatting technique ensures that the label is centered horizontally across the columns without merging the cells. This is particularly helpful if you need to sort or filter the data based on specific columns.

How to Center Across Selection in Excel

The process of centering across selection in Excel depends on the version you are using. Here are the steps for different versions:

Excel 365

1. Select the cells you want to center across.
2. Right-click and choose “Format Cells” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+1.
3. Click on the “Alignment” tab in the “Format Cells” dialog box.
4. Under “Horizontal,” choose “Center Across Selection.”
5. Click “OK.”

Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013

1. Select the cells (more than one) you want to center across.
2. Click on the “Home” tab in the ribbon menu.
3. Click on the arrow in “Alignment” group.
4. Click on the “Alignment” tab.
5. Under “Horizontal,” choose “Center Across Selection.”
6. Click “OK.”

Excel 2010 and Earlier

1. Select the cells you want to center across.
2. Click on the “Home” tab in the ribbon menu.
3. Click on “Format” in the “Cells” group.
4. Click on the “Alignment” tab.
5. Under “Horizontal,” choose “Center Across Selection.”
6. Click “OK.”

Now you know how to center data across selection in Excel. This formatting technique is a quick and efficient way to make your spreadsheets look more professional. Try it out and see how it enhances your data presentations.

Tips for Using ‘Center Across Selection’

Here are a few things to keep in mind when using the ‘Center Across Selection’ option:

• Use this option only when you need to center text across a few adjacent columns. If you need to center across many columns, it’s better to use the ‘Merge and Center’ option, which is available in the same formatting drop-down menu.
• The ‘Center Across Selection’ option may not work if some of the selected cells contain line breaks. In this case, you’ll see error symbols on the toolbar, and the option will be unavailable. To fix this, remove all line breaks within the selected cells or use text wrapping instead of line breaks.
• If you need to center data vertically, you can use the ‘Center’ option under the vertical alignment setting, in the same ‘Alignment’ tab of the Format Cells dialog box.

The Difference Between ‘Center Across Selection’ and ‘Merge and Center’

It’s important to note that the ‘Center Across Selection’ option and the ‘Merge and Center’ option are not the same. While the ‘Center Across Selection’ option centers text across selected cells, it doesn’t merge the cells. This means that you can still apply sorting and filtering to the individual columns.

On the other hand, ‘Merge and Center’ merges the selected cells into one and centers the text within the merged cell. While this feature is useful when you need to create a title or heading that spans several columns, it can sometimes cause issues when sorting or filtering your data, as it changes the structure of the table.

Knowing how to center data across selection in Excel can help you create more polished and professional-looking spreadsheets. Whether you’re creating a table with a title that spans several columns or need to align data within specific cells, ‘Center Across Selection’ is a quick and effective way to get the job done.

Remember to use this option only when it makes sense and always keep in mind the nuances between it and other formatting options, such as ‘Merge and Center.’ By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an Excel formatting pro!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about centering across selection in Excel:

Can I center data across non-adjacent columns in Excel?

No, you cannot use the ‘Center Across Selection’ option to center data across non-adjacent columns. This is because the option centers data across selected cells, and the cells must be adjacent to work correctly. If you need to center data across non-adjacent columns, you can use the ‘Merge and Center’ option instead.

Can I undo ‘Center Across Selection’ in Excel?

Yes, you can undo the ‘Center Across Selection’ formatting by selecting the affected cells, clicking on the ‘Alignment’ tab in the Format Cells dialog box, and then selecting the ‘General’ option under ‘Horizontal alignment.’ This resets the cells to their default formatting.

Can I pivot a table that has ‘Center Across Selection’ formatting?

Yes, you can pivot a table that has ‘Center Across Selection’ formatting. However, you should be aware that the pivot table may not reflect the formatting of the original table. If you need to preserve the ‘Center Across Selection’ formatting in the pivot table, you can create a new table and use the ‘Transpose’ feature to rotate the table and move the data from the rows to the columns.

Why should I use ‘Center Across Selection’ instead of merging cells?

You should use ‘Center Across Selection’ instead of merging cells because it allows you to perform more operations on your data, such as sorting and filtering, without compromising your table structure. Merging cells can cause issues when performing these operations and can also make it difficult to read the data in the table. ‘Center Across Selection’ ensures that your data is easy to read and that the table structure remains intact.

How can I tell if my cells have ‘Center Across Selection’ formatting?

If your cells have ‘Center Across Selection’ formatting, you will see the horizontal alignment icon with a straight line and angled arrows in the toolbar. Additionally, if you open the Format Cells dialog box and click on the ‘Alignment’ tab, you should see ‘Center Across Selection’ selected under ‘Horizontal’ alignment.