How to Wrap Text in Google Sheets

Learn how to wrap text in a single cell, a full row, or a whole column

By
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Writer
Scott Orgera is a former Lifewire writer covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified.
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Updated on September 22, 2022

What to Know

  • Select cell(s) containing text > Select a header to highlight entire row\column > Format > Text wrapping > Wrap.
  • There are three options in Text wrapping: Overflow, Wrap, and Clip.

This article explains how to wrap text in Google Sheets. Instructions apply to any web browser.

How to Wrap Text In Google Sheets

To keep long entries readable even when their cell isn't active, turn on the Wrap Text option under the Format menu. Here's how.

  1. Select one or more cells containing the text you want to wrap. Select a header to highlight an entire row or column.

    To apply text wrapping to an entire spreadsheet, click the empty box in the upper-left corner between the A and 1 column and row headers.

  2. Go to the Format menu.

    The Format menu

  3. Select the Text wrapping option to open a submenu containing three options:

    • Overflow: The cell remains the same size, but the text that doesn't fit extends out on a single line.
    • Wrap: Enlarges a cell vertically to fit all of the text. The cell stays the same width.
    • Clip: Cuts text off at the border unless you select the cell.

    Select Wrap to ensure all of the information you enter is always visible.

    Text wrapping options

  4. The cell enlarges to fit the text. This command also makes the cells in the rest of the row larger.

    Wrapped text in a Google Sheets cell
FAQ
  • How do you merge cells in Google Sheets?

    To merge cells in Google Sheets, highlight the group of cells, go to the toolbar and select Merge. The default behavior is to merge all cells. To find other merge types, select the Merge drop-down arrow.

  • How do you make a graph in Google Sheets?

    To make a graph in Google Sheets, select cells and choose Insert > Chart. Choose the type of graph you want and use the Chart editor to modify it.

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