In this article we will show you exactly how to change cell size in Google Sheets for both single and multiple cells. Just follow the simple steps below:
Whilst there is no way to adjust the size of a specific single cell we can adjust column or row dimensions. The following method applies to resizing rows or columns in Google Sheets.
For the purposes of demonstration an example dataset was created. Click here to access the sheet and follow along.
In Google Sheets click on the column letter at the top of the sheet. This will select it.
In our example we need to adjust the width of cell B5 as the name is too long for the cell width. Note we have selected the column labelled B to select it.
With the column selected right click, this will display a pop up menu. From the pop up menu select the Resize column option.
From the Pop-Up window you will now see two options:
Enter new column width in pixels. (Default: 100)
This allows a specific value to be entered, selecting a larger amount will make the column and therefore the cells within bigger.
Fit to data
This option will automatically adjust the column to contain the data of the widest cell.
In our example we will specify a new column width. We need to make the width bigger so we will enter 140 which is a value that is bigger than the default value of 120.
With the custom width entered select OK and see the column has been resized to the custom width. In our example we can now see that cell B5 is now wide enough to contain the data.
Click on the column letter or row number to highlight all cells in the row or column
To select multiple rows or columns in Google Sheets hold the Ctrl key (cmd ⌘ key in Mac) when selecting.
In our example as we have multiple cells that appear too large we need to select multiple rows.
Right click on the label of the column or row selected last in the previous step to display a pop up menu. Select Resize the selected … (rows or columns)
In the Pop-Up window you will now see two options:
Specify Row Height:
This allows a specific value to be entered, selecting a lower amount will make the row smaller and therefore the cells within smaller.
Fit to data:
This option will automatically alter the row height to contain the data of the highest cell.
In our example we will specify a new row height. We need to make the height smaller so we will enter 60 which is a value that is smaller than the original row height.
With the custom width entered select OK and you can now see the row has been resized to the custom width.
In Google Sheets we can use an alternative method to change the size of cells efficiently by a click and drag method.
In your sheet click on the column or row labels to select all cells in the column or row.
To select multiple rows or columns hold the Ctrl key (cmd ⌘ key in Mac) when selecting.
In our example we will amend the width of column D to better match the width of the data.
Hover the mouse icon between the end of the target column or row number and the next row or column. Notice the icon changes to the double arrow symbol ↔ Double clicking at this time will set the column or row to automatically fit to the data however in this example we will amend the width to our specification.
Click and drag the icon, you will see a blue line appear indicating the new size.
When the size is as required simply release the left click to confirm, the column or row will be resized.
Standardize your spreadsheet by making every cell the exact same size.
Learn how to widen and/or lengthen cells to accommodate your data.
Learn how to edit the height of your cells without changing their width.
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