How do I get the columns to automatically expend in Excel?

Question

I don't want to have to keep manually adjusting the column width so I can see my data - how can I set it to automatically adjust to the size of the data in the cell?

I understand how to get it to adjust to the cell width (double clicking), that is what I meant by doing it manually. Sorry if that didn't come across. My question is - how do I get Excel to do it for me without me having to go back each time and adjust by double clicking?

Answer 1

Look at the row of letters at the top. You have used the SEPARATOR between columns to make manual adjustments. if you DOUBLE CLICK on that separator, the column will adjust to the widest cell of that column. But if you have a very wide cell, it will become the width of your screen, so try to avoid columns that have a great deal of data in the cells.

Good luck and Happy Computing!

Answer 2

Click the top left hand square (left of the column a and above the row 1) to highlight everything, then double click the line between any two columns (at the top, i.e. the line between A and B).

Answer 3

Format-Column-AutoFit Selection
not all column withs will be equal

To set equal widths
block columns you want to affect
adjust one width by dragging
all will change to that size

or
block and set width through menu

Answer 4

There are several ways - they are described here

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel/HP051988131033.aspx?pid=CH010036891033#changecolwidth

By the way, you may want to take a look at OpenOffice... it is a free Open Source alternative to the MS office suite and it is fully compatible with all your office files.

**Additional**

Go to Tools>Macro>Record
Follow all your normal steps, then stop recording and give your macro a name. You can add hotkeys or a button for it. In future you can just run your macro to adjust your columns.

Answer 5

i think it wont get expanded automatically as u type in it....instead after finishing typing ur data in it...u can click the top left corner in it..now the whole sheet gets selected...now if u double click the line in between two columns..it will get expanded...