Hi Corey,

Why is it so?
This is by design. (ha ha) ;)

I am using the cell in a reference in cade, and merged cells will not
work.

Try (sorry, translated from german):
Select A1:B1 with mouse
Format/Cells
then the second tab
the first selection is labeled "horizontal"
select the second from the bottom "center over selection"
press ok
type something into A1, it will be centered over both cells, no matter
if it is text or a formula.

arno