When using Google Sheets, it is necessary to change the column width to fit the data, especially if it can't fit in the default column size. That leaves your sheet looking beautiful and organized. But you're probably asking yourself, "How can I resize column width in Google Sheets?" Well, there are various effective methods to do it automatically. This article is a complete and detailed guide on adjusting the column's width. Come along.
Part 1: How do you adjust column width in Google Sheets automatically?
First, you must note that you can manually modify a column's width. Place your mouse cursor between the column whose width you want to change and that of the next column to the right. When the cursor changes to a “↔️” mark, click, drag to the suitable width, then release it.
However, to adjust the column width automatically, you can go for any of these two methods:
Use the auto-size feature
That is one way to automatically set a column's width to fit its contents.
Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Hover your mouse between the column you want to adjust and the next one to the right. The cursor turns into a double arrow (↔️).
Step 2: Double-click the mouse.
The column width is changed to fit the most extended item in the content. And with the longest text covered, the rest of the data will fit seamlessly.
Use a column-width menu.
A column width menu comes in handy to resize single or multiple columns to a custom size or according to the size of the values in the cells.
Adjust to a custom size.
To adjust columns to a custom size, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select the column or range of columns you want to adjust.
Step 2: Right-click anywhere on the chosen range.
Step 3: Select “Resize columns X-Y, "where X-Y represents the selected column or range of columns. A pop-up will appear.
Step 4: Choose “Enter new column width in pixels” and input a specific column size in the pop-up.
Step 5: Click the 'OK' button.
The pop-up closes, and the columns are adjusted to the desired width.
Adjust to fit data.
On the other hand, you can adjust the column width according to the data. If you have already entered your values, the column width will be set to that of the most significant value.
Here are the steps involved:
Step 1: Select the column or columns whose sizes you want to adjust.
Step 2: Right-click the selected range. A context menu will appear.
Step 3: Select “Resize columns X-Y, "where X-Y represents the selected column or range of columns. That will open a pop-up.
Step 4: In the pop-up, choose "Fit to data"
The selected columns' sizes are adjusted, and the values in the cells are evident.
Part 2: How do you make all columns the same width in Google Sheets?
When dealing with generally larger or smaller values and data, you'll often need all columns to have more or less width than the default.
That is why you need to learn how to increase and decrease the widths of all columns on a worksheet as
It saves you the time and effort you would use to adjust the size of the columns one at a time.
It leaves your worksheet organized because all values are evident.
Here's a detailed guide on how to increase or decrease all columns on Google Sheets:
Step 1: Start by selecting all columns. On the cell reference box at the top left side of the worksheet, delete any existing text and type A: Z.
Step 2: Press "Enter," and every column in the worksheet is selected.
Step 3: Right-click anywhere on the highlighted worksheet to open a context menu.
Step 4: On the menu, select "Resize columns A-Z."
Step 5: On the new pop-up menu that opens, left-click "enter a new column width in pixels."
Step 6: Enter the width that you need for all your columns.
Step 7: Click "OK."
All columns in the worksheet are set to the same width, equal to the one you entered.
Adjusting the width of single or multiple columns is necessary to ensure data is entered into spacious cells. That makes it easy to comprehend.
However, there are several challenges that you may face. Including:
Selecting multiple columns: When dealing with various columns, selecting them poses a significant challenge. But there are several ways to do it, including:
Using a mouse
Using a mouse is a quick and effective way to select multiple columns. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Click and hold the column number of the first column.
Step 2: Drag the cursor toward the left or right to highlight the columns that you'd like to select.
Step 3: Check the Name Box on the upper left to confirm the range of columns that you've selected is correct.
Using the keyboard
Select multiple random columns that are not next to each other. In this case, use keyboard shortcuts and follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Left-click on the column number of one of the columns that you would like to select
Step 2: Hold down the 'ctrl' key for Windows users or the 'command' for Mac users.
Step 3: Click on other columns that you'd like to select, and they will be highlighted too.
To perform any operation on the randomly selected columns, right-click on any of them and select the relevant action from the menu.
What is WPS?
WPS stands for Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets, but it does more than that. Simply put, it is a free, powerful tool that enables users to write, edit, open, and save files, providing a seamless working experience.
As an office suite for Microsoft Windows, it is compatible with various devices, such as phones, PCs, and tablets. It is like a mini-office that one can carry around to maintain high work efficiency.
It can be used on macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS operating systems, ensuring that different devices and systems are manageable for smooth and efficient working.
The three main components of WPS Office are:
1. WPS Writer
WPS Writer is an integrated word processor that lets you view, edit, create, and save Word documents. It comes with over 10,000 templates you can explore to develop top-notch emails, resumes, and more.
It is also compatible with Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and LibreOffice.
2. WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Spreadsheet lets you handle data exceptionally well with the help of free templates for budgets, calendars, and balance sheets.
That makes analyzing and visualizing data a walk in the park for users.
3. WPS Presentation
When it comes to presenting information and data through text, image, video, tables, and audio, WPS Presentation has you covered.
It is one of the best because it is highly compatible with Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint, and other presentation tools.
WPS PDF
Dealing with PDF can be tedious sometimes, but with WPS PDF, creating, viewing, editing, and merging PDF files will be fine. Above everything else, it provides password-protected benefits, and you can encrypt your document against unauthorized users' access.
But why should you even consider using WPS? Here are some reasons:
Formulas in Excel files run more smoothly with WPS Spreadsheets than with other platforms.
WPS has a simple, easy-to-use user interface and a clear guide, so even beginners can learn how to use it quickly.
The latest versions come with WPS AI, which is simply for the future. It provides advanced features like advanced formatting and document analysis to cater to all users' needs.
FAQs
How to adjust row heights in Google Sheets?
Hover the cursor between two rows. It will turn into a double arrow. Click and drag the row border down to adjust the height.
How do you freeze rows and columns?
Highlight the column or row that you want to freeze. On the taskbar, click view, hover the cursor over freeze, and choose the appropriate action according to the row and column you want to freeze.
How to insert a new row?
Right-click any cell number. Select from the context box that appears if you want to insert a new row above or below, and the new row will be created.
Summary
This comprehensive guide outlines simple and quick ways of adjusting column width in Google Sheets. The processes for each method are clearly outlined and described. It also dives into the world of WPS, getting into an in-depth analysis of what it is, what it entails, and what users may benefit from it. It states why WPS is superior to most other tools that perform similar tasks.
