Resizing All Columns and Rows in Microsoft Excel
How to Resize All Columns and Rows in an Excel Spreadsheet
Resizing columns and rows in Excel can improve the appearance of your data and ensure that all content is displayed properly. Here’s how to resize all columns and rows in a sheet, adjust the default size, and even set up a template for future workbooks.
Resize All Columns and Rows in a Sheet
1. Select the Entire Sheet
- To resize all columns and rows, first select the entire sheet. You can do this by clicking the Select All triangle located at the top-left corner of the spreadsheet (above row numbers and left of column letters).
2. Drag to Adjust Sizes
- For Columns: Click and drag any column header (the letter at the top of the column) to adjust the width.
- For Rows: Click and drag any row header (the number at the left of the row) to adjust the height.
This method allows you to resize the columns and rows based on your visual preference.
3. Right-Click for Exact Measurements
- After selecting the entire sheet, right-click on a column header and choose “Column Width.” Enter a specific width in points and click OK.
- For rows, right-click a row header, select “Row Height,” and enter a specific height in points. Click OK to apply.
Columns can be resized up to 255 points and rows up to 409 points.
4. Use the Format Button for Exact Sizes
- On the Home tab in the Cells section, click the Format drop-down arrow.
- Select either “Column Width” or “Row Height” and enter the desired size in points. Press OK.
5. Use AutoFit for Adjusting to Data
- To have the columns or rows automatically adjust to the size of the data, select the entire sheet and go to Home > Format > AutoFit Column Width or AutoFit Row Height.
- Excel will resize the columns and/or rows to fit the data. Note that this method won’t resize blank columns or rows.
Set the Default Size for All Columns in a Sheet
If you want to set a default column width for all columns:
- Select the entire sheet.
- Go to Home > Format.
- Choose “Default Width” and enter the desired width in points.
- Click OK. This will apply to all columns, including any new ones you add.
Column and Row Sizes for New Workbooks
Changes made to column and row sizes only apply to the current sheet. If you want the same sizes for new workbooks and new sheets, consider creating a template:
- Resize the columns and rows using the steps above.
- Save the workbook as a template (
.xltx). - Open the template each time you create a new workbook to retain those settings.
Alternatively, you can set the workbook to always open a specific template when launching Excel.
Summary
Resizing all columns and rows in Excel ensures your data is neatly displayed and avoids issues like the ##### error. Whether you use manual resizing, set default widths, or use AutoFit, adjusting your sheet’s layout helps create a consistent and professional look for your data.