Merge & Center joins cells into one, but it can break sorting and formulas. Center Across Selection looks the same without the downsides.
Do it with AI insteadSelect the cells
Highlight the cells you want to merge.
Merge & Center
Home ▸ Merge & Center.
Safer alternative
Use Format Cells ▸ Alignment ▸ Center Across Selection to center without merging.
Excel blocks sorting when ranges contain merged cells — unmerge or use Center Across Selection.