Double-headed arrow in Excel represents the resizing and adjustment of a column or row. Also, it is a way to scroll the sheet. You can use the double-headed arrow as a symbol or shape to show the relationship between two or more objects.
It is also an essential tool for formatting and organizing data in Excel. In this article, we are going to show you how to insert the double-headed arrow in Excel. It will help you to visualize different methods to add a double-headed arrow in Excel. So, let’s get started.
How to Add Double Headed Arrow in Excel: 4 Easy Ways
You can insert the double-headed arrow in your worksheet to show the relation of two or more objects. To do this, we have taken a dataset where we put the Information on the Sales of ABC Company. We want to show the relation of the total sales.
Not to mention, we have used the Microsoft 365 version. You may use any other version at your convenience.
1. Applying Symbol Option from Insert Tab
You can use the Symbols option from the Insert tab to insert the double-headed arrow in your worksheet. We want to show the relationship between the Total Sales Quarterly, Half-yearly, and Yearly. To do this, we need to estimate the sum of the sales first. To do this, we use the SUM function. Let’s follow the procedure to insert the double-headed arrow to show the relation.
Steps:
- Firstly, select the cell where you want to insert the arrow. Then, move to the Insert tab >>choose Symbols >> pick Symbol.
- Apparently, you will get a new window named Symbol. Choose the Subset as Arrows. Select your desirable arrow. We have used the double-headed arrow here.
- Lastly, press Insert.
- It will add an arrow that shows the relation between two cells. You can drag down the Fill Handle tool for the other cells also.
Finally, you will get the following output like the image below. But the shape is built-in Excel. You cannot change the shape.
Read More: How to Add Up and Down Arrows in Excel
2. Using the Shapes Feature to Insert Double Headed Arrow
As you cannot change the shape using the first method, you can use the Shapes feature from the Illustration ribbon group to modify the size and shape of the arrow. Follow the below steps to use it.
Steps:
- Firstly, select the cell where you want to put the arrow. Then, move to the Insert tab >> pick the Shapes option from the Illustrations group >> choose the double-headed arrow from the Lines section.
The shape has been added to your desired cell. You can format the arrows from the Format Shapes options. You can change the arrow’s size, color, shape, and font there. So, it becomes a flexible way to insert the double-headed arrow.
Read More: How to Insert Trend Arrows Based on Another Cell in Excel
3. Using Special Font to Insert Double Headed Arrow
There are different fonts in the Font ribbon group of the Home tab. However, the problem is that the size of the arrow can be changed only when you change the font size of that row. On the other hand, it is quite easy to insert a double-headed arrow in the worksheet.
- Firstly, navigate to the Home tab >> choose Windings 3 from the Font group >> make the font size 14.
- Now, type n on the keyboard and a double-headed arrow will be added to the worksheet. For better visualization, see the image below.
Read More: How to Insert Red Arrow in Excel Cell
4. Using VBA Code to Insert Double Headed Arrow
A simple VBA code makes your work easier and makes the process automatic. For using the VBA macros, follow the below steps.
Steps:
- First, hover over the Developer tab >> choose Visual Basic.
- The Visual Basic Editor window appears. Move to the Insert tab >> Module >> Module1.
- Write the following code there.
Sub AddDoubleHeadedArrowToCell()
    Dim ws As Worksheet
    Set ws = ActiveSheet
    Dim cell As Range
    Set cell = ws.Range("C17")
    Dim cellCenterX As Double
    cellCenterX = cell.Left + (cell.Width / 2)
    Dim cellCenterY As Double
    cellCenterY = cell.Top + (cell.Height / 2)
    Dim shape As shape
    Set shape = ws.Shapes.AddLine(cellCenterX, cellCenterY, cellCenterX + 50, cellCenterY)
    shape.Line.ForeColor.RGB = RGB(0, 0, 0)
    shape.Line.EndArrowheadStyle = msoArrowheadOpen
    shape.Line.EndArrowheadLength = msoArrowheadLengthMedium
    shape.Line.EndArrowheadWidth = msoArrowheadWide
    shape.Line.BeginArrowheadStyle = msoArrowheadOpen
    shape.Line.BeginArrowheadLength = msoArrowheadLengthMedium
    shape.Line.BeginArrowheadWidth = msoArrowheadWide
End SubCode Breakdown:
We have inserted a sub-procedure to add a double-headed arrow to a specific cell in the Excel sheet. We have declared a variable ws and set it in the active worksheet. Here, we insert the target cell in C17 and then calculate the center of the cell where the arrow starts, and it will take 50 units in the horizontal shape to the right. We have taken the line as black. The length and width of the arrowheads are also set to medium and wide respectively.
- Finally, run the VBA code with the F5 key. You will get the following output arrow in the selected cell.
Read More: How to Add Trend Arrows in Excel
Where Do You Find Double Headed Arrow in Excel Interface?- 2 Examples
You can use the double-headed arrow in 3 different cases. The use of the double-headed arrow is described below.
1. Double Headed Arrow to Increase/Decrease Column Width
You can also increase or decrease the column width with the help of the double-headed arrow in Excel. When you put the mouse cursor on the edge of a column, you will get a sign of a double-headed arrow like the image below. If you drag the cursor rightward, the width of the column will increase, and if you drag the cursor leftward, the column width will decrease.
2. Double Headed Arrow to Scroll Your Cursor
The three components of a scroll bar are usually a track, a thumb, and double-headed keys at either end of the track. To show the orientation of scrolling, arrow keys are typically tiny triangles pointing in opposing directions. By clicking on the arrow icons with a cursor or by using the arrow keys on a computer, users can scroll the text of a window or document. They sometimes have the appearance of double-headed spears, but this is not always the case. There is a vertical scrollbar and a horizontal scrollbar in Excel. You can use it while dragging the page below or above with the vertical scrollbar and rightward and leftward with the horizontal scrollbar.
The above image shows the default scrollbars in the Excel window for moving your cursor vertically or horizontally within a worksheet. However, if your dataset is large, you can create a customized vertical or horizontal scrollbar in Excel.
Read More: How to Insert Curved Arrow in Excel
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I cannot find the double headed arrow to resize the column/row. What can be the reason?
- The double-headed arrow might not show and you might not be able to change the column or row sizes if the spreadsheet is protected. In that case, you need to unprotect the sheet.
- The double-headed indicator might not appear if you have over-zoomed your spreadsheet. Check out expanding out to see if it shows up.
- Some older versions of Excel may not have the double-headed arrow feature. In that case, use the latest Microsoft 365 version.
2. What is the function of the two-headed arrow cursor in Excel?
To modify the column width, scroll the cursor and put a symbol or shape to create a relation between the two species.
3. What is a double headed arrow called?
The double headed arrow is called the resonance arrow. It shows two or more arrows that resonate with each other.
4. Can we hide the double headed arrow in Excel?
The double-headed arrow in Excel is a built-in feature that is used to resize cells and groups of cells, so you cannot conceal it. If you do not want to see the boundaries of individual columns, you can disable the gridlines’ display in Excel.
5. Can we use the double headed arrow to resize multiple rows or columns at the same time?
Yes, you can resize numerous rows or columns at once using the double-headed arrow. Simply pick the rows or columns you want to adjust, then move your mouse until a double-headed arrow appears over the boundary. To resize all of the chosen rows or columns at once, click and move the border.
Things to Remember
- Choose a shape and symbol that aligns with the purpose of the chart. For example, if the chart is being used to compare two sets of data, you may want to choose a shape that clearly shows the difference between the two sets of data.
- A double-headed arrow should be easy to understand at a glance. Avoid overly complex shapes or symbols that may confuse the reader.
Download Practice Workbook
Download the following practice workbook. It will help you to realize the topic more clearly.
Conclusion
So, that’s all about today’s session. Hopefully, you understand how to insert a double-headed arrow in Excel. Also, we have tried to differentiate different methods with their limitations. This article helps you to realize the application and usefulness of the double-headed arrow in Excel. If you find any difficulties using it, let us know through comments on our sites. Till then, goodbye. Have a nice day!
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