As you have probably noticed, some columns are not wide enough to accept certain data. Data that are not displayed have not been erased but have been squeezed by the text in the next column. There is more than one way to increase or decrease a column width. Let’s look at the following different methods:

As you know, each column is identified by a letter such as A, B or C. Each of these letters is separated by a vertical line has also separates each column. When you place the pointer on one of these vertical lines, the pointer changes its shape to: .

· If you click and hold the left mouse button, a dotted line will appear.

· Drag the mouse to the right to increase the width of your column, or drag the mouse to the left to decrease the width of the column.

· Release the mouse button and the column will width will change to the width you have selected.

This method allows you to tell immediately if your column is wide enough. As you move the dotted line, the size of the column is displayed just above to that column.

In this exercise, enlarge the first column so that it can accommodate the text "AMOUNT OF PURCHASE." To ensure that we all have the same width for the first column, move the dotted line until the size indicated is 22.14.

Excel has a menu option that automatically determines the width of a column. This function is in the FORMAT menu. Select the COLUMN option, then AUTOFIT SELECTION. The width of the column will be automatically adjusted to fit the longest word or group of words in that column.

· Move the cursor to a cell in column B and use the commands to automatically adjust the column width.

· The words "PRICE IN FULL" will be displayed in full.

If you already know the desired width, you can use Excel’s menu to set it. Click the FORMAT menu and choose the COLUMN option. A sub-menu will be displayed. Select the WIDTH... option. This dialogue box will be displayed on the screen:

(Figure 2.13)

Press the BACKSPACE key to erase the number in the box adjacent to Column Width or simply enter another amount. Type the new width and click the OK button.

For this exercise, move the cursor to column C. Click FORMAT and select the COLUMN option, then WIDTH... The width of the column is 10.71. When a column’s width has not been previously modified, the default width is 8.43.

It is also possible to use indicators to increase or decrease the width of a column. To do this, click on a column indicator, that is, on the letter A, B, C etc. When you click a row or a column identifier, the entire row or column is highlighted. Position the pointer over the blocked row or column and click the right mouse button. This menu will appear: