{"id":33398,"date":"2024-12-11T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-11T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/?p=33398"},"modified":"2024-11-27T20:54:38","modified_gmt":"2024-11-27T20:54:38","slug":"ten-ways-to-resize-excel-columns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/2024\/12\/11\/ten-ways-to-resize-excel-columns\/","title":{"rendered":"Ten Ways to Resize Excel Columns"},"content":{"rendered":"<body>\n[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 admin_label=\u201dsection\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row admin_label=\u201drow\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 background_size=\u201dinitial\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_repeat=\u201drepeat\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||0px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0|0px|0|0px|false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 custom_padding=\u201d|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d custom_padding__hover=\u201d|||\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.3\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<h3><strong><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/overview-icon_green_transparent.png?w=32&#038;ssl=1\"  loading=\"lazy\"> Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\nIs there anything more annoying than opening up an Excel file and seeing a ton of ######## characters?  Or cut-off text?  Or text that takes up so much space you can\u2019t see any other columns?\n\nResizing Excel columns is a really common task \u2013 and there are many ways to accomplish it.  In this article, we\u2019ll look at ten different ways you can resize your columns, including some great shortcuts that will add up over time.  Make sure to download the example file below to leverage some of the automatic options![\/et_pb_text][et_pb_signup provider=\u201dmailerlite\u201d mailerlite_list=\u201dXLEV8_WP_API|85744827291928411\u2033 first_name_field=\u201doff\u201d last_name_field=\u201doff\u201d success_action=\u201dredirect\u201d success_redirect_url=\u201dhttps:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Resizing-Columns-Example-File_2024-12-11.zip\u201d success_redirect_query=\u201doff|off|off|off|off\u201d title=\u201dDownload Example File\u201d button_text=\u201dGet Example File\u201d description=\u201d<p>Want a copy of the workbook discussing the options in this article? Sign up for our email newsletter to access this great template and lots of other resources and insights!<\/p>\u201d footer_content=\u201d<p><span>We won\u2019t pass your details on to anyone else. By clicking the sign up button, you agree to our <\/span><a href=\"%22..\/home\/about\/terms-and-conditions\/%22\" data-et-target-link=\"%22_blank%22\" rel=\"%22noopener%22\">Terms of Use<\/a><span> and <\/span><a href=\"%22..\/home\/about\/privacy-policy\/%22\" data-et-target-link=\"%22_blank%22\" rel=\"%22noopener%22\">Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/p>\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.3\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d form_field_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_layout=\u201dlight\u201d border_width_all=\u201d3px\u201d border_color_all=\u201d#000000\u2033 border_width_all_fields=\u201d1px\u201d border_color_all_fields=\u201d#000000\u2033 saved_tabs=\u201dall\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_signup][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d||0px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<h3><strong><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/how-icon_green_transparent.png?w=32&#038;ssl=1\"  loading=\"lazy\"> Column Resizing Options<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.3\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<p><strong>Option 1: Change one column width<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To change the column width for any one column, simply place your cursor between two column headers and drag left or right.\u00a0 You\u2019ll see the cursor change to a resize symbol.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Column-resize-pic_01.png?w=1080&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"border: solid 3px #000000;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Option 2: Change multiple column widths<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Need to change the width for multiple columns? Just select the columns first, then drag the cursor for one of them left or right to size all of the selected columns.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Column-resize-pic_02.png?w=1080&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"border: solid 3px #000000;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Option 3: Set one specific column width<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Want to set a very precise column width? Just right-click the column header and click the Column Width option. Then set the width in characters from 0 to 255.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Column-resize-pic_03.png?w=1080&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"border: solid 3px #000000;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Option 4: Set multiple specific column widths<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Need to set very precise widths for multiple columns? Just select the columns first, then right-click a column header and click the Column Width option. Then set the width in characters from 0 to 255.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Column-resize-pic_04.png?w=1080&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"border: solid 3px #000000;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Option 5: Auto-fit one column width<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you want to automatically size a column width based on the widest cell value in the column, simply double-click the cursor between the column to resize and the column to the right.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Column-resize-pic_05.png?w=1080&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"border: solid 3px #000000;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Option 6: Auto-fit multiple column widths<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Need to auto-fit multiple column widths? Just select the columns first, then double-click the cursor between any selected column to resize and the column to the right of it. Note: you may set some really wide columns if some of them contain a lot of text, such as a description or a URL. Either don\u2019t select those or set them manually (or use option 10 below!).<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Column-resize-pic_06.png?w=1080&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"border: solid 3px #000000;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Option 7: Use keyboard shortcuts<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There are several keyboard shortcuts you can use to key expedite resizing column widths:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ed3bed;\"><strong>Ctrl+Space<\/strong><\/span>: Select entire column(s)<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ed3bed;\"><strong>Menu-w \/ Alt-h-o-w<\/strong><\/span>: Set specific width<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ed3bed;\"><strong>Alt-h-o-i<\/strong><\/span>: Auto-fit width<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ed3bed;\"><strong>Ctrl-Alt-v \/ Alt-h-v-s<\/strong><\/span>: Paste special<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Column-resize-pic_07.png?w=1080&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"border: solid 3px #000000;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Option 8: Use paste special<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you already have columns with the widths you want to use in another area of your file, you can copy and paste them! Simply copy the cells with the widths you desire, then select the cells you want to apply those widths to, then (via the ribbon, right-clicking, or keyboard shortcut) go to paste special: column widths.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Column-resize-pic_08.png?w=1080&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"border: solid 3px #000000;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Option 9: Auto-fit using VBA events<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you want the column widths to be auto-expanding, it\u2019s possible with VBA events! This requires using macros and adding some VBA code to the sheet. Right-click the sheet name, click View Code, and insert the code below:<br>Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)<br>\u00a0 \u00a0 If Target.Value = \u201c\u201d Then Exit Sub<br>\u00a0 \u00a0 Target.EntireColumn.AutoFit<br>End Sub<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Column-resize-pic_09.png?w=1080&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"border: solid 3px #000000;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Option 10: Use a smart macro<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is the option I use almost every day. It\u2019s a keyboard shortcut on steroids that allows you to auto-fit or specify the column width for the selected cells or all used cells. Even better, it allows you to set a maximum width so that those extra-long cell values don\u2019t get auto-sized too wide. This is one of hundreds of tools in the XLEV8 Excel Add-in (<a href=\"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/home\/xlev8-add-in\/\">learn more<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Column-resize-pic_10.png?w=1080&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"border: solid 3px #000000;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px|||\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<h3><strong><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/video-icon_green_transparent.png?w=32&#038;ssl=1\"  loading=\"lazy\"> Video<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\u201dhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9swbnMr-iVs\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_signup provider=\u201dmailerlite\u201d mailerlite_list=\u201dXLEV8_WP_API|85744827291928411\u2033 first_name_field=\u201doff\u201d last_name_field=\u201doff\u201d success_action=\u201dredirect\u201d success_redirect_url=\u201dhttps:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Resizing-Columns-Example-File_2024-12-11.zip\u201d success_redirect_query=\u201doff|off|on|off|off\u201d title=\u201dDownload Example File\u201d button_text=\u201dGet Example File\u201d description=\u201d<p>Want a copy of the workbook discussing the options in this article? Sign up for our email newsletter to access this great template and lots of other resources and insights!<\/p>\u201d footer_content=\u201d<p><span>We won\u2019t pass your details on to anyone else. By clicking the sign up button, you agree to our <\/span><a href=\"%22..\/home\/about\/terms-and-conditions\/%22\" data-et-target-link=\"%22_blank%22\" rel=\"%22noopener%22\">Terms of Use<\/a><span> and <\/span><a href=\"%22..\/home\/about\/privacy-policy\/%22\" data-et-target-link=\"%22_blank%22\" rel=\"%22noopener%22\">Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/p>\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.3\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d form_field_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_layout=\u201dlight\u201d border_width_all=\u201d3px\u201d border_color_all=\u201d#000000\u2033 border_width_all_fields=\u201d1px\u201d border_color_all_fields=\u201d#000000\u2033 saved_tabs=\u201dall\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_signup][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.20.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<h3><strong><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/checkmark_icon_green_transparent.png?w=32&#038;ssl=1\"  loading=\"lazy\"> Summary<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>As with many tasks in Excel, there are several options for resizing column widths.\u00a0 Because of how often Excel users tend to resize columns, it\u2019s worth knowing the best ways to resize them quickly.<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s your favorite way to resize columns?\u00a0 Do you know of other ways that we\u2019ve missed?\u00a0 Let us know in the comments below!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n<\/body><span class=\"et_bloom_bottom_trigger\"><\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Did you know there are at least 10 ways to resize columns in Excel?  Read on to learn the different ways you can tackle this common task as easily and quickly as possible!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":33397,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33,16],"tags":[34,12,22],"class_list":["post-33398","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-efficiency","category-excel-tips","tag-efficiency","tag-excel","tag-formulas"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Resizing-Columns_Social-Cover_2024-12-11.png?fit=3200%2C1800&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33398","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33398"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33398\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33430,"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33398\/revisions\/33430"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33397"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33398"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33398"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/excelevate.co\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33398"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}