Section 5 - Changing Column/Row Width

In Excel XP, 2007 or MAC Excel 2004, when you open a new spreadsheet, the columns and rows are a set width. Once you begin to adjust the cell an d t ext formatting, you may nee d t o adjust the width of the columns.

• To change the column width, move the mouse pointer to the vertical line separating the columns whose width you wish to change.
• To change the row width, move the mouse pointer to the horizontal line separating the rows whose widths you wish to change.
• In Excel XP and 2007, the cursor will change to a double-headed arrow. Hold down the mouse button, drag the vertical line to the right or left until it is the desired length. Release the mouse button.
• In MAC Excel 2004, the arrow is black in between the columns, hold down the mouse button, then drag the vertical line in between the columns to the right or left until it is the desired length. Release the mouse button.

OR

• Double-click with the double-headed arrow in Excel XP and 2007, or black arrow in MAC Excel 2004. This will resize the column to the size of the widest data set in that column.

OR

• In Excel XP or MAC Excel 2004, to get precise column sizes, select the columns to be formatted. From the Format Menu choose Column or Row, an d t hen select width. Enter the width for your column or row and click on OK.
• In Excel 2007, to get the precise column sizes, select the columns to be formatted. Under the Home tab, click on Format under the Cells group, and then select Column Width. Enter the width for your column or row and click on OK.