As you start to enter your data in your Google Sheet, you may discover that not everything fits into a cell. While you can leave it, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll need to change the cell size to make the information clearer.
Before I start talking about how to make a cell bigger in Google Sheets; let’s check that we are all on the same page (or should that be sheet) about what a cell is…
What’s a cell?
Rows and Columns make up a spreadsheet.
Where they meet is a cell, and that’s where we enter all of our information or data.
Each cell, has two parts that can be changed in size:
- Cell width
- Cell height
The width refers to the column width, while the height is actually the row height.
You’ll notice that I include row and column here. That’s because you can’t change the size of a single cell. Changing the size, it’s for all of the cells in the column (max of 18,278 columns) and/or the row (max 40,000 rows).
Note: Figures correct at the time of writing.
Yes, the spreadsheet is pretty big (according to Google Sheets that’s 731,120,000 cells per sheet).
(I’m not going to confuse the issue with the number of sheets and therefore the total number of cells – it’s a lot!)
We are only interested in what we’re using, although changing the size does effect all the cells in the row and column.
How can you increase the cell size Google Sheets? Let’s look at the two options.
Changing the Column Width
This is the option that, to be honest, is the most used when were talking about increasing the cell size.
In Google Sheets, the default column width is actually quite large – set to a default of 100 px (pixels).
As a comparison – Microsoft Excel has a standard of 8.47, which relates to 64 pixels.
In the image you can see that all of the months of the year easily fit into the column width.
However, notice the ‘number’ that I typed into cell A3.
The cell shows the number up to 13 characters, but compare it to the formula bar – where you can see that I actually typed in 15 digits.
Note: It’s only text that will appear across the next column, numbers are hidden.
For large numbers, you’ll need to change the width to ensure that you can see all of it.
With text, if you’ve got something else in the next cell (to the right) then you’ll want to resize the column to see all of the text.
Note: With text you can also choose to increase the row height (if you wrap the text).
Click and Drag
The easiest and quickest way to increase the cell size, via the column width is to click and drag the right edge of the column.
Let’s be honest, you want your data to be fully displayed, you’re not bothered (as a general rule) on how many pixels the column is…
Position your mouse cursor on the right hand side of the column letter (the above image shows the increase for Column B).
When you see the thicker blue line, and your mouse is a white doubled headed arrow, click and drag.
Move to the right to increase the column width, or to the left to decrease it.
When it’s the size that you want – simply let go of the mouse.
Resize the Column
The alternative option is ‘resize the column’ where you can enter a specific pixel size for the column width.
Hover over the column letter, and right-click.
From the menu, click on Resize the column.
First check that you are changing the column that you want – it’s displayed as part of the title (for the dialog box).
The default option is to type in a number (in pixels) to increase the width.
As pixels aren’t our everyday measurement option (for most of us), it’s a guessing game to find the right size.
Type in a number (larger than 100).
Click OK and see how it looks.
Note: You can go back in to adjust it again and again, as needed.
Changing the Row Height
Unlike the column, we don’t often change the row height.
However, you can and it’s the other way to make a cell bigger.
In Google Sheets, the default row height is 21 pixels. A size that matches the default font height.
As a comparison – Microsoft Excel has a standard of 15, which relates to 20 pixels.
Click and Drag
Like the columns, the quickest and easiest way is to click and drag.
This time you’re using the bottom edge of the row.
Find the blue line, click and drag down to increase the height – making the cell bigger.
Note: You can also drag up to decrease the size. It’s not recommended as the height is the min to see your data.
Resize the Row
You’ll be unsurprised to learn that there’s a menu option for the rows as well.
Right click on the row number.
From the menu, click Resize the row.
Check that you’re editing the correct row.
Select Specific row height.
Increase the pixels to make the height larger.
You’ll notice that the default is Fit to data. Changing the font size will automatically increase the row height.
AutoFit
An alternative for both options is to use the option Fit to data in the Resize dialog boxes.
Columns – type in your data/information and then use the option.
Note: Google Sheets will automatically make the column fit to the widest cell. This might be a cell that is lower down the sheet.
Rows – it’s the automatic option, so that the height will adjust as you change the font size.
Quick Tip
You can double-click on the blue line to automatically fit the column or row.
Reset the cell size
It’s easy to change the cell size, until you get to the point that your sheet is confusing.
To reset the cells back to the standard sizes:
Reset column width
- Select the column(s) to reset
- Right click on one of the column letters
- Click Resize the Column
- Type in 100 as the pixel number
- Click OK
Reset the row height
- Select the row(s) to reset
- Right click on one of the row numbers
- Click Resize the Row
- Type in 21 as the pixel number
- Click OK
Note: For the row, you might want to change the height back to AutoFit. Just in case you change the font size.
Next Steps
It’s your choice, what’s the best option to make a cell bigger google sheets for you?
Got questions on Google Sheets? For one to one help book your Personalised Training time with me.
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