Adjusting Rows and Columns

Spreadsheet legibility requires properly proportioned column widths and row heights. Truncated text strings and ###### numeric overflow errors occur when column dimensions are improperly configured. Mastering manual sizing, AutoFit shortcuts, and row/column insertion keeps worksheets organized.

Adjusting Column Widths & Row Heights

• Manual Dragging: Position your mouse cursor directly on the boundary line between two column headers (e.g., between B and C). The cursor transforms into a double-headed horizontal arrow. Click and drag left or right to resize.
• Exact Dimension Dialog:
• Right-click the column letter header and select Column Width.... Enter a specific numeric character width (default is 8.43).
• Right-click row number header and select Row Height.... Enter a specific point height (default is 15.00 pt).

The AutoFit Magic (Double-Click)

Instead of manually guessing the correct column width:

1. 1
   Move your cursor to the right boundary line of the column header until the double-headed arrow appears.
2. 2
   Double-click the mouse button!
3. 3
   Excel instantly AutoFits the column width to accommodate the longest cell entry in that entire column.
4. 4
   AutoFit Entire Sheet at Once:

• Click the top-left Select All triangle (above Row 1, left of Column A) or press Ctrl + A.
• Double-click any column boundary. Every single column across the entire worksheet auto-fits to its contents in a fraction of a second!
• Keyboard Shortcut: Press Alt + H + O + I to AutoFit column widths automatically.

Inserting and Deleting Columns & Rows

• Inserting a Column: Right-click any column header letter (e.g., Column D) and select Insert. Excel inserts a new blank column to the left of the selected column. Existing columns shift right.
• Inserting a Row: Right-click any row header number (e.g., Row 5) and select Insert. Excel inserts a new blank row above the selected row. Existing rows shift down.
• Keyboard Shortcuts:
• Select an entire row: Shift + Spacebar.
• Select an entire column: Ctrl + Spacebar.
• Insert row/column: With row or column selected, press Ctrl + Shift + + (Ctrl and plus).
• Delete row/column: With row or column selected, press Ctrl + - (Ctrl and minus).

Hiding and Unhiding Rows and Columns

To temporarily conceal sensitive calculations or intermediate formula steps without deleting them:

• Hiding: Select the columns or rows, right-click the header, and select Hide (Shortcuts: Ctrl + 0 to hide column, Ctrl + 9 to hide row).
• Unhiding: Highlight the columns or rows immediately surrounding the hidden area (e.g., select columns C and E to reveal hidden column D), right-click the selection, and select Unhide.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What happens when you double-click the boundary line between two column headers (e.g., between Column B and C)?

A. The column is deleted B. Excel automatically resizes Column B to fit its longest text or number entry (AutoFit) C. Column C is merged with Column B D. All numbers are highlighted in yellow Answer: B Explanation: Double-clicking a column border triggers the AutoFit feature, automatically expanding or shrinking the column to fit the widest cell entry.

2. Which keyboard shortcut selects the entire active row across the spreadsheet grid?

A. Ctrl + Spacebar B. Shift + Spacebar C. Alt + Spacebar D. Ctrl + Enter Answer: B Explanation: Shift + Spacebar selects the entire active row, whereas Ctrl + Spacebar selects the entire active column.

3. When you insert a new column into an Excel worksheet, where does the new column appear relative to your selected column?

A. Immediately to the left of the selected column B. Immediately to the right of the selected column C. At the very end of the worksheet (Column XFD) D. In a new worksheet Answer: A Explanation: Newly inserted columns always appear immediately to the left of the currently selected column, shifting existing columns rightward.

4. Which keyboard shortcut hides the currently selected rows?

A. Ctrl + 9 B. Ctrl + 0 C. Ctrl + H D. Alt + 9 Answer: A Explanation: Ctrl + 9 hides the selected rows, while Ctrl + 0 hides the selected columns.

5. What ribbon shortcut sequence executes "AutoFit Column Width" across selected cells without using the mouse?

A. Alt + H + O + I B. Ctrl + Shift + A C. Alt + F4 D. Ctrl + Alt + W Answer: A Explanation: The Ribbon access key sequence Alt + H + O + I navigates to Home > Format (Cells) > AutoFit Column Width.