How to Autofit in Excel

Software

Updated September 06, 2019

The default cell size in Excel is 8.43 characters wide. However, sometimes you have more data than that and you want it to appear correctly. Learn how to autofit in Excel, you can ensure that all of your data is presented in the most legible, neat, and informative manner.

There are several ways to change cell size. Find out how they work to decide which one best suits your needs.

Instructions in this article apply to Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2010, and Excel for Office 365.

How to Autofit in Excel

Format one or more columns to automatically resize to fit the data entered. Once formatted, columns and cells will automatically expand to accommodate the longest string of data entered.

In Excel Online, a column will automatically resize to fit the contents after the data is entered.

Select the column or columns that you want to autofit.

Select the letter at the top of the column to select that column. Alternatively, to select the entire worksheet choose Select All, which is the grey rectangle with a small triangle in it between A and 1 in an Excel worksheet.
Select Format in the Cells group on the Home tab.
Select AutoFit Column Width under Cell Size.

How to Change the Row Height to Autofit the Contents

If you have wrapped data, a very large font, or an object in one or more cells, format the rows to automatically change height in order to autofit the cell contents.

Select the entire worksheet and then double-click any boundary line between any two column headings to quickly autofit all columns on the worksheet.

Select the row or rows that you want to autofit.

Select the letter at the top of the column to select that column. Alternatively, select the entire worksheet using the Select All button, which is the grey rectangle with a small triangle in it between A and 1 in an Excel worksheet.
Select Format in the Cells group on the Home tab.
Select AutoFit Row Height under Cell Size.

How to Match the Width of Another Column

If you want one column to precisely match the size of another existing column, you can copy and paste the width.

Select a cell in the column that has the width that you want to use.
Select Copy in the Clipboard group of the Home tab or right-click the selected column and choose Copy.
Select the target column.
Select the arrow below Paste in the Clipboard group on the Home tab.
Select Paste Special. The Paste Special dialog box will open.
Select Column Widths in the Paste section.
Select OK to apply the column size and close the Paste Special dialog box.

How to Resize Columns or Rows Using the Mouse

Although it is not a way to autofit in Excel, you can drag a column or row to a more appropriate size for your needs. If autofit isn't enabled, when you drag the size of a column or row, it will then remain stationery; if the data extends beyond the expanded size, it will automatically be hidden behind the next cell.

You can also use this method to change the default cell size in a worksheet. Select the column or rows you want to change, then drag the boundary to change the column width or the row height.

To select rows or columns that are not adjoining, press and hold the Ctrl key while selecting them. To select multiple rows or columns that are adjoining, press and hold the Shift key, select the first row or column, then select the last row or column.