How to AutoFit in Excel (7 Easy Ways)

Suppose we have a datasheet, in which we have 3 columns and 5 rows to represent the price and quantity of some chocolates. In some Product Names the text is too long to fit in the cell. We can resolve this easily in a variety of ways, starting with just a double click!.

Method 1 – Double Clicking the Cell Extension Bar

Double Click the Cell Extension Bar to AutoFit

Steps for Column:

➤ Point your mouse to the Extension Border situated between the column headings, for example between Columns B and C.

➤ When the mouse pointer changes to a left-right arrow, then just double-click it.

Double Click the Cell Extension Bar to AutoFit

The column width auto-adjusts to fit all the text.

Double Click the Cell Extension Bar to AutoFit

Steps For Row: 

➤ Point your mouse to the extension bar between two-row numbers (here, rows 7 and 8).

➤ When the mouse pointer changes to an up-down arrow, then just double-click it.

Double Click the Cell Extension Bar to AutoFit

Row height adjusts to fit all the text vertically.


Method 2 – Using AutoFit Command

We can perform the same operation using the AutoFit option from the Home tab.

Steps

➤ Select the row/column where you want to apply AutoFit.

➤ Click Home > Cells > Format > AutoFit Row Height / AutoFit Column Width.

Excel AutoFit Command

The text now fits in the cells.

Read More: How to Use AutoFit Shortcut in Excel


Method 3 – Expanding Multiple Cells

For multiple cells, we can use the previous two methods simultaneously.

Steps For Column:

➤ Point your mouse to the extension bar between the selected columns.

➤ When the mouse pointer changes to a left-right arrow, double-click it.

Expand Multiple Excel Cell To AutoFit Text

The cells are expanded.

Expand Multiple Excel Cell To AutoFit Text

Steps For Row:

➤ Point your mouse to the extension bar between the selected rows.

➤ When the mouse pointer changes to an up-down arrow, double-click it.

Expand Multiple Excel Cell To AutoFit Text

Both of the rows are now fitted with text.

Read More: How to Make All Cells the Same Size in Excel


Method 4 – Using a Keyboard Shortcut

Steps For Column: 

➤ Select the column.

➤ Use the keyboard shortcut ALT + H + O + I.

Using a Keyboard Shortcut to Make Excel Cells Expand Automatically

Steps For Row: 

➤ Select the row.

➤ Use the keyboard shortcut ALT + H + O + A.

Read More: How to Make Cells Independent in Excel


Method 5 – Using Excel VBA

Steps:

Right-click on the sheet title name.

➤ Press the View Code option.

Excel VBA to Make Text Strings AutoFit

A VBA window will open up.

➤ Select Worksheet from the drop-down options.

Excel VBA to Make Text Strings AutoFit

➤ Enter the codes given below.

Excel VBA to Make Text Strings AutoFit

Option Explicit
Private Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Range)
Cells.EntireColumn.AutoFit
End Sub

➤ Click File > Close and Return to Microsoft Excel.

Excel VBA to Make Text Strings AutoFit

Now press anywhere in the Excel sheet, and all cells will be autofitted. Any new text that you input will likewise be automatically autofitted.

Read More: How to Make a Cell Bigger in Excel


Method 6 – Using Wrap Text Command

An alternative method to make Excel cells expand to fit text automatically.

Steps:

➤ Select the cell, then click Home > Alignment > Wrap Text.

Wrap Text Command to Make Excel Cells Expand to Fit Text Automatically

The text is displayed in two lines.

Wrap Text Command to Make Excel Cells Expand to Fit Text Automatically

➤Double-click on that row, and it will be fitted.

Read More: How to Make Excel Cells With The Same Height and Width


Method 7 – Using Shrink to Fit

Another approach is to shrink the text to autofit to cell dimensions.

Steps: 

➤ Select the cells in which you want to shrink the text.

➤ Press Ctrl+1. A dialog box will open up.

➤ Click Alignment > Shrink to Fit > OK.

Shrink to Fit Option to AutoFit Cells in Excel

The text in the cell is now shrunk to fit.

Shrink to Fit Option to AutoFit Cells in Excel


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Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun
Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun

Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun, an Excel and VBA Content Developer at Softeko's ExcelDemy project, joined in October 2021. Holding a Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering degree from BUET, Mithun showcases expertise during his two-year tenure. With over 200 published articles on Excel topics, he earned a promotion to Team Leader, excelling in leading diverse teams. Mithun's passion extends to Advanced Excel, Excel VBA, Data Analysis, and Python programming, contributing significantly to the innovative and dynamic environment of ExcelDemy... Read Full Bio

2 Comments
  1. Hi
    I have tried all of your solutions but on my spreadsheet (office 365) with merged cells none have worked

    • Hello TONIA.
      Thanks for your feedback. Autofit doesn’t work in a protected sheet, so please check it. If it remains unprotected then your problem is a quite particular type. So if you would share your workbook with us, we hope to find out the problem and give you a possible solution.

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