Setting Height and Width

Sometimes it is not possible to fully read the information contained in columns (1). One reason for this may be that data may have been inserted in the adjacent column. Or, and this in the case with numbers, we see each trellises (#) (2).

To avoid this, we need to set appropriate column widths. This can be done in different ways. One way is to place the mouse between two columns at the column titles until it changes into a cross with two arrows and click and drag it to the desired width.

A second way, and I think the fastest one, is by placing the mouse pointer between two columns in the column titles until it changes into a cross with two arrows and by double clicking on it. This will automatically adjust the width of the column to the cell with the widest content area..

A third way is to click on the “Format” command in the “Ribbon” and select “Column Width”. In the dialog that appears, specify the column width in pixels. Click OK when this happens.

TIP!

If you have multiple columns that you need to adjust the width for, first select all cells in the “Worksheet” by clicking (1) in the upper left corner of the “Worksheet” and then double-click between two columns in the column titles. This will result in all the columns being adjusted to the width of its contents (2).

Hide/ Unhide Columns and Rows

To “Hide” columns and rows we first select them, right-click and choose “Hide” from the drop-down menu. To make them visible again, select the two columns between which are located the hidden columns, right-click and choose “Unhide”.

The dividing line between the columns where the hidden columns are located, is displayed a bit thicker . We do the same to “Hide” or “Unhide” rows. First select the rows, right-click and make your choice from the drop-down menu

For your information: When you adjust the column width in which you have selected all the cells in the “Worksheet”, the hidden columns become visible again.

Formatting numbers using the Ribbon

Formatting Numbers is one of the many layout managers that are possible in “Excel” to “Format” data in our “Spreadsheet”.
We find several of these in “Number” under the “Home” tab of the “Ribbon”.

To apply formatting, first select the cell or cell “Range”.

The box at the top of the “Number” group shows the formatting that is currently being applied.
By default it is set to “General”. When we click the black arrow pointing down, we get a list that we can change.

With each format is an example of how our formatting would look. The difference between the “Financial” and “Currency” formatting is that the first formats are left-aligned and the second formats are alligned to the right.

To apply formatting, click in the list.

Click on the downward pointing arrow next to the button
“Accounting Number Format” and select “More financial number formats …” . It displays a dialog box from which we can choose our currency.

The ‘%’ button shows the numerical values as a percentage. The ‘000’ button, gives thousands again by one point. The third and fourth buttons increase and reduce the number of decimal places.

We can also display percentages with decimal places.

 

Featured Courses

• Downloading iPad Apps
• Lesson 1: Introduction to Publisher
• Lesson 65: File Formats