Merge & Center and Wrap Text
Merge & Center has no Ctrl shortcut. Instead you press Alt, let go, then tap H, M, C. These are ribbon KeyTips: letters appear on the ribbon as you go. Wrap Text works the same way with Alt, H, W.
Try it: press the keys on this sheet
Windows and Mac keys
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Merge & Center | Alt then H then M then C | No default shortcut |
| Wrap text | Alt then H then W | No default shortcut |
| Format Cells dialog | Ctrl+1 | ⌘1 |
| AutoFit column width | Alt then H then O then I | No default shortcut |
Shortcut not working?
Holding Alt doesn't work
KeyTips are a sequence. Press and release Alt, then tap each letter one after another.
There's no shortcut on Mac
Excel for Mac has no KeyTips. Add Merge & Center to the Quick Access Toolbar, or create a custom shortcut in System Settings, Keyboard, App Shortcuts.
Merged cells break sorting
Use Center Across Selection instead: Ctrl+1, Alignment, Horizontal, Center Across Selection. It looks the same and doesn't merge.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut for Merge and Center in Excel?
Press Alt, then H, M, C one after another. It's a ribbon sequence, so don't hold the keys together.
What is the shortcut for wrap text in Excel?
Press Alt, then H, W. On a Mac there's no default shortcut; use the Wrap Text button on the Home tab.
Is there a Merge and Center shortcut on Mac?
Not by default. Add it to the Quick Access Toolbar or set a custom shortcut in macOS keyboard settings.