Column widths, Freeze Panes, hiding rows and columns

In this lesson

1. 1. Fit the column to the text

   The customer names do not fit in column A. Excel can make the column just wide enough.

2. 2. Keep the headings in view

   In long lists, the headings scroll away. Freeze Panes keeps them in view.

3. 3. Freeze rows and columns

   You can also keep column A in view.

   Select the first cell that should move. Excel freezes everything above it and to its left.

4. 4. Hide columns

   Hide columns you do not need to see right now. The data is still there.

   In Excel, the shortcut is Ctrl+0 (Mac: Cmd+)). (In this browser, use the mouse instead. The shortcut works in Excel.)

5. 5. Show them again

   To unhide, select the columns on both sides of the hidden ones.

6. 6. Try it yourself

   Rows work the same way. In Excel, the shortcut is Ctrl+9 (Mac: Cmd+(). (In this browser, use the mouse instead. The shortcut works in Excel.)

Part of Excel Essentials. Short lessons with practice in a real spreadsheet, checked as you go.