Unit 7. Structural changes (II)

Column width

In Excel2003 the width of a column by default is 8,43 characters or 10,71 points. Often, the standard width of a column is not sufficient to visualize the complete contents of a cell.

If we want to modify the width of a column we can use two methods:

The first method consists of using the menu. For this, we will follow these next steps:

Select the columns to modify. In case of not selecting any, the operation will be performed on the column that we are situated in.

Drop down the Format menu.

Select the Column option.

Another submenu will open.

Select the Width... option.

The dialog box (seen right) will appear.

Introduce the desired width.

Click on OK.

The second method consists of using the mouse. For this:

Situate the mouse pointer in the line situated to the right of the name of the column you wish to modify, in the header of the column.

The pointer adopts the shape of an arrow with two arrows, seen here:.

Maintain the mouse button depressed and drag the line to the new position.

Observe how as we move, the height of the column changes.

Release the button when you have the desired column width.

Autofit the selection.

We can modify the width of a column to adjust it to the widest entry, using two different methods.

The first method consists of using the menu. For this:

Select the columns to modify.

Drop down the Format menu.

Select the Column option.

Another submenu will open.

Select the Autofit Selection option.

The second method is much faster.

Situate yourself on the dividing line to the right of the column you wish to modify, in the column header.

As we see at the time of modifying the width with the mouse, the pointer takes the shape of an arrow with 2 tips.

Double click, and automatically it will adjust the height of the column to the largest text contained in it.

Standard width of the column

Excel2003 permits us to modify the standard width of all the columns in a sheet that have this size assigned. If we want to modify it, follow these next steps:

Select the Format menu.

Select the Column option, a submenu drops down, seen right.

Select the Standard width... option.

The dialog box seen to the right will appear.

Write down the desired width.

Click on OK.

All of the columns will now have the standard width, apart from those assigned a specific width

To practice these operations we suggest you perform the Column format exercise.

If you want to know more about the other options of the Format Column menu:.

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