/en/excel2010/cell-basics/content/ IntroductionWhen you open a new blank workbook, the cells are set to a default size. You have the ability to modify cells, as well as to insert and delete columns, rows, and cells as needed. In this lesson, you will learn how to change row height and column width, insert and delete rows and columns, wrap text in a cell, and merge cells. Working with columns, rows, and cellsBy default, every row and column of a new workbook is set to the same height and width. Excel allows you to modify column width and row height in different ways. Optional: You can download this example for extra practice.
If you see pound signs (#######) in a cell, it means the column is not wide enough to display the cell content. Simply increase the column width to show the cell content. To set column width with a specific measurement:
Select AutoFit Column Width from the format drop-down menu, and Excel will automatically adjust each selected column so all of the text will fit. To modify row height:
To set row height with a specific measurement:
Select AutoFit Row Height from the format drop-down menu, and Excel will automatically adjust each selected row so all of the text will fit. To insert rows:
When inserting new rows, columns, or cells, you will see the Insert Options button To insert columns:
By default, Excel formats inserted columns with the same formatting as the column to the left of them. To access more options, hover your mouse over the Insert Options button and click the drop-down arrow that appears. When inserting rows and columns, make sure to select the row or column by clicking its heading so all of the cells in that row or column are selected. If you select just a cell in the row or column, only a new cell will be inserted. To delete rows:
To delete columns:
Wrapping text and merging cellsIf a cell contains more text than can be displayed, you can choose to wrap the text within the cell or merge the cell with empty adjoining cells. Wrap text to make it display on multiple lines of the cell. Merge cells to combine adjoining cells into one larger cell. To wrap text:
If you change your mind, reclick the Wrap Text command to unwrap the text. To merge cells using the Merge & Center command:
If you change your mind, reclick the Merge & Center command to unmerge the cells. To access more merge options:Click the drop-down arrow next to the Merge & Center command on the Home tab. The merge drop-down menu appears.
Although merging cells can be useful, it can also cause problems with some spreadsheets. Watch the video below to learn about some of the problems with merging cells.
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