←Module 2
Lesson · 15 min

Modifying Columns, Rows, and Cells

Learn how to resize, insert, delete, hide, move, and format rows and columns in Excel.

By the end of this lesson you can

  • Adjust column width and row height, including AutoFit
  • Insert, delete, hide, and unhide rows and columns
  • Explain why merged cells cause problems in data ranges
  • Wrap text so long entries stay readable

Video

Watch the lesson video, then complete the reading and challenge.

Lesson Notes

Read through the key concepts before you try the challenge.

Merged cells break more than they fix

On the job

You inherit the supply tracker at Lakeside Medical Associates.

Your predecessor merged cells across the top of each section to make headings look centered. Now sorting throws an error, filtering behaves unpredictably, and selecting a column selects far more than you asked for.

Your task: Learn the layout tools that make a sheet readable without damaging its structure.

Merging combines cells into one, which destroys the grid the merged region covered. Sorting, filtering, and many formulas depend on every row having the same shape, so a merged range breaks them. In a data table, merged cells are close to always the wrong tool.

'Center Across Selection' gives the same visual result without the damage. Select the cells, open Format Cells > Alignment, and set Horizontal to Center Across Selection. The text appears centered across the range while every cell remains individually addressable — so sorting and filtering keep working.

Hiding a column does not remove its data. Hidden columns are fully present in the file and unhide in two clicks, so hiding is never a way to withhold information from someone you send the workbook to. If data should not travel, delete it from a copy.
Double-clicking the boundary between two column headers AutoFits that column to its widest entry. Select every column first and one double-click sizes them all — the fastest way to make an inherited sheet readable.

Resizing Columns

You can manually resize columns by dragging the boundary between column headers or use AutoFit to automatically adjust the width.

Selecting column boundary
Dragging to resize column
AutoFit column width option
AutoFit result

Resizing Rows

Row height can be adjusted manually or through the Row Height command.

Selecting row boundary
Dragging to resize row
Resized row

Wrap Text

Wrap Text allows content to appear on multiple lines within a single cell instead of expanding the column width.

Wrap Text command
Wrapped text result

Inserting Rows and Columns

You can insert new rows or columns using the Insert command from the Home tab.

Selecting row before inserting
Insert row command
Inserted row result
Insert column command
Inserted column result

Deleting Rows and Columns

Rows and columns can be deleted using the Delete command or right-click menu.

Selecting row to delete
Delete command
Deleted row result

Hiding and Unhiding Rows and Columns

Rows and columns can be hidden to temporarily remove them from view without deleting data.

Hide command
Hidden column
Unhidden column

Moving Rows and Columns

Rows and columns can be moved using Cut and Insert Cut Cells.

Selecting row to move
Cut command
Moved row result

Merge & Center vs Center Across Selection

Merge & Center combines cells into one. Center Across Selection centers text without merging cells.

Merge select
Merge options
Center Across Selection dialog

Selecting All Cells

Click the Select All button to highlight the entire worksheet at once.

Select All button
Entire worksheet selected

Knowledge Check

Check your understanding

What does AutoFit do to a column?

Practice File

Download this file and follow along with the lesson.

Modifying Columns and Rows Practice File

Challenge

Apply what you've learned in this lesson.

Complete the following tasks:

  1. AutoFit a column width.
  2. Resize a row manually.
  3. Insert a new row.
  4. Delete a column.
  5. Hide and unhide a column.
  6. Move a row using Cut.
  7. Use Wrap Text on a long address.
  8. Use Center Across Selection on a title.

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