How to Resize Multiple Columns in Google Sheets (Fit to Data)
Make clipped product names readable by fitting columns to their data.
Download practice data · CSVStart the exerciseA published video is not available for this version yet. The complete written exercise and data are below.
Try it yourself
Import at A1. Make columns A:C narrow, then select the column letters A through C. Right-click → Resize columns → Fit to data → OK. Values stay unchanged. For identical widths enter a pixel width instead. CSV does not store widths.
Detailed steps
- 1. Select the column letters
Select column A, then hold Shift and click column C to select the adjacent columns. Choose the column headers, rather than only a few cells. We are resizing the product, category, and owner columns.
- 2. Open Resize columns
Right click one of the selected column letters. Choose Resize columns. The dialog offers a custom width in pixels or Fit to data.
- 3. Choose Fit to data
Choose Fit to data and click OK. Each selected column adjusts to its content. The product names, categories, and owners are now visible, and the cell values stay the same.
- 4. Know the two options
Fit to data can give the columns different widths. If you want equal widths instead, choose a custom pixel width for the selected columns. Very long text may be easier to display with wrapping.
- Choose the columns you need
Repeat this with other groups of columns by selecting their column headers. Review the result before using it on a carefully designed layout. Which is your bigger problem: cut off text or uneven widths?
Preview the input data
| Product | Category | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless mechanical keyboard | Office equipment | Emma Wilson |
| Ultrawide computer monitor | Displays | Noah Brown |
| Adjustable laptop stand | Desk accessories | Mia Davis |
How to open the CSV
In a blank Google Sheet choose File → Import → Upload and select the downloaded CSV. Use comma as the separator. Start at A1 unless the exercise specifies another location. CSV contains input data; add formulas and controls using the steps above. Files are hosted directly here and require no shared personal Drive document.
Fictional demo data. Formulas use English function names and commas between arguments. Other spreadsheet locales may require semicolons. Check date recognition after importing.