In MS-EXCEL, a user merged and centered cells A2 to A7 and then placed the value 22.35 in the merged cell. If the merged cell is used in a formula, then what reference (address) must it have, to make calculations?

Correct option is D

In Excel, when cells are merged and centered, the merged range retains the reference of the top-left cell of the range. Therefore, in this case, the merged cell spanning from A2 to A7 will be referenced as A2 for any calculations. Even though the value appears across all merged cells, Excel treats the merged cell as if it exists only in the top-left cell of the merged range.

• Option A is incorrect because calculations cannot use references to any cell within the merged range other than the top-left cell.
• Option B is incorrect because merged cells can be used in calculations, provided the reference to the top-left cell is used.
• Option C is incorrect because A7 is not the top-left cell of the merged range.

1. Information Booster:
   ● Only the top-left cell reference is valid for merged cells in formulas.
   ● If merged cells are frequently used, they might cause issues with sorting and filtering.
   ● Avoid merging cells when data needs to be structured for analysis.
   ● Instead of merging, consider using the "Center Across Selection" option for better functionality.
   ● Excel formulas and functions treat merged cells as a single entity linked to the top-left cell.