Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 18, 2021)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
When Robert double-clicks the right edge of a column header, Excel widens the column to fit the widest content of any cell in that column. Sometimes, though, that is just too wide. So, Robert wonders if there is a similar feature to double-click a cell edge and have the column widen to fit the contents of just that cell, even if there is a cell in the column with wider content.
There is no built-in double-click option to do this, but there is a way. Here's the simple steps:
The result is that the column width is set so that whatever is in the selected cell is entirely visible. If you prefer a keyboard-based approach, you can press the Alt key to trigger the hot keys for the ribbon tools, and then press H, O, I. If you prefer, you can use a legacy shortcut key sequence—again, press Alt to trigger the hot keys, and then press O, C, A. Either approach will work just fine.
If you prefer a macro-based approach, then you can use the following single-line macro:
Sub ColWidthCell()
ActiveCell.Columns.AutoFit
End Sub
The macro can, of course, be assigned to a shortcut key or to a customization of the ribbon so that it can be easily triggered.
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (11302) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021.
Best-Selling VBA Tutorial for Beginners Take your Excel knowledge to the next level. With a little background in VBA programming, you can go well beyond basic spreadsheets and functions. Use macros to reduce errors, save time, and integrate with other Microsoft applications. Fully updated for the latest version of Office 365. Check out Microsoft 365 Excel VBA Programming For Dummies today!
Using AutoFit can help you maximize your use of screen space. In certain situations, though, it can make your data harder ...
Discover MoreWant to automatically hide some columns that don't meet a date criterion that you set? You can't do it automatically, but ...
Discover MoreNeed to hide a given column based on the value in a particular cell? The easiest way to accomplish the task is to use a ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2021-09-18 15:27:52
J. Woolley
This Tip's macro works well when ActiveCell is not a merged cell. The following VBA is more general:
Sub SetColumnWidthByCell()
Dim rMA As Range, rCol As Range
Dim nC As Long, nW As Double
Set rMA = ActiveCell.MergeArea
nC = rMA.Columns.Count
If nC = 1 Then
ActiveCell.Columns.AutoFit
Else
rMA.UnMerge
ActiveCell.Columns.AutoFit
nW = ActiveCell.ColumnWidth / nC
For Each rCol In rMA.Columns
rCol.ColumnWidth = nW
Next rCol
rMA.Merge
End If
End Sub
See My Excel Toolbox: https://sites.google.com/view/MyExcelToolbox/
2021-09-18 11:20:51
Another macro approach could be:
Sub SetColWith()
'Shortcut key set : Ctrl+Shft+W
ActiveCell.Columns.ColumnWidth = InputBox("New column width:", "Adjust Column Width")
End Sub
2021-09-18 09:20:06
Tomek
You can also add "AutoFit Column Width" to Quick Access Toolbar. Once you find it on the Home Ribbon, just right click on it and select "Add to Quick access Toolbar"
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments