XL: How to Copy Column Widths (61269)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2000
  • Microsoft Excel 2002
  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
  • Microsoft Excel 2001 for Mac
  • Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition

This article was previously published under Q61269

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Excel, you can copy the column width when you copy data from one range of cells to another by selecting the entire column when you copy it. You can also copy column widths separately from your data.

MORE INFORMATION

To copy column widths from one range of cells to another, use either of the following methods.

Method 1: Copy column widths along with your data

  1. Select the columns you want to copy.

    To select a single column, select the column heading or move to any cell in the column and press CTRL+SPACEBAR (COMMAND+SPACEBAR if you are using a Macintosh computer).

    To select more than one column:
    1. Select the first column.
    2. Hold down the SHIFT key and use the arrow keys to select the remaining columns.
  2. On the Edit menu, click Copy.
  3. Select any cell in your destination range (the range where you want to paste your data).
  4. On the Edit menu, click Paste.

Method 2: Copy the column widths separately from your data

NOTE: This method copies all of the formats, not just the column width formatting, from the selected columns to the destination range.
  1. Select the columns you want to copy.

    To select a single column, select the column heading or move to any cell in the column and press CTRL+SPACEBAR (COMMAND+SPACEBAR if you are using a Macintosh computer).

  2. To select more than one column:
    1. Select the first column.
    2. Hold down the SHIFT key and use the arrow keys to select the remaining columns.
  3. On the Edit menu, click Copy.
  4. Select any cell in your destination range (the range where you want to paste your data).
  5. On the Edit menu, click Paste Special.
  6. In the Paste Special dialog box, select the Formats option.
  7. Click OK.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/13/2003
Keywords:kbhowto KB61269