How to Set Excel Column Width to cm Unit (with Easy Steps)

In this article, I will show you how you can change the Excel column width in cm. For measurement purposes, you may need to change or set the column width.

How to Set Excel Column Width to cm Unit: Step-by-Step Procedure

To show you the changes I’m going to use a dataset where I’ve taken a sample dataset of order details with multiple columns. Here I’m going to use Microsoft Excel 365.

Step-1. Open Ruler Unit Settings from Excel Options

Here, I will use Excel Options to set Excel column width in cm. Let me show you the procedures.

• Firstly, click on File.

• Then, select Options.

A dialog box of Excel Options will appear.

• First, select Advanced.
• Then, from Ruler units select Centimeters.
• Finally, click OK.

Read More: How to Change Excel Column Width in Pixels

Step-2: Check Preview with the cm Unit

By using the Page Layout option, you can view the column width in cm.

Now, let me show you the changes.

• Open the View tab >> then select Page Layout.

Moreover, you can see the centimeters (cm) in row & column header.

Step-3: Change Column Width in cm

Here, I will show you how you can change the column width in cm by using the Context Menu.

• First, select the entire column.
• Then right-click on the column header from there select Column Width….

A dialog box of Column Width will appear. It will show the width in cm.

• To change the Column Width, insert any number of your choice. Here I inserted 3cm.
• Then click OK.

Therefore, you can see the extended column.

How to Increase or Decrease Column Width in Excel

Example 1: Using Format Option to Change Column Width

Now, I will show you how to change the column width using the Format Option.

• Firstly, select any cell D8.
• Secondly, open the Home tab >> then from Format >> select Column Width.

Then, a dialog box of Column Width will appear. It will show the width in cm.

• Next, to change the Column Width insert any number of your choice. Here I inserted 4cm.
• Then click OK.

As a result, the column width will change.

Example 2: Dragging Column to Change Width in cm

You also can use the Drag option to see or change column width in centimeters.

• To begin with, place the cursor on the right side of the column.
• Then, the Adjust Icon will appear. Then expand or shrink it based on your choice.

• Next, I dragged the icon to the right to expand the column width.
• Here, the width is 2.88 Centimeters.

Now, you can see the result.

Example 3: Shortcut Keys to Set Column Width

If you want, you can use the shortcut keys to set the column width.

• First, press ALT+H.

• Then, press O+W.

A dialog box of Column Width will appear. It will show you the Column Width in 3.12cm.

• Next, to change the Column Width insert any number of your choice. Here I inserted 3cm.
• Then click OK.

In short, you can press ALT+H then O,W. Here, is the new column width of column B.

Example 4: Changing Width of Multiple Columns in Excel

It is possible to change multiple column widths at a time. Let me show you the procedure.

• First, select any column then hold CTRL and select other columns of your choice.
• Here, I selected columns B & D.

• Now, place the cursor on the Column Header. Then right-click on the mouse.
• From there select Column Width.

This time, the Column Width dialog box won’t show any number except the units cause the two columns are in different sizes.

• Here, type any number of your choice. I inserted 5cm.
• Then, press OK.

As a result, both column widths will be the same size.

Excel Column Width in Inches

If you want to set or change the column width in inches. You also can do it by following the same steps.

• First, open the Excel Options window by following Step 1.
• Then, from Advanced >> select Inches from Ruler units.
• Finally, click on OK.

• Open the View tab >> then select Page Layout.

Next, you will see the scale of the row and column header in inches.

• Then, select any row or column header and right-click on it.
• From there select Column Width.

Therefore, you can see the Column Width along with units.

Note: Moreover, in this way, we can change the column width into millimeters.

Things to Remember

The Default Units contain the column width in inches.

Download Practice Workbook

Conclusion

In this article, I tried to explain how to change or set Excel column width in cm. This explanation will help you to understand the ways. Finally, if you have any suggestions, ideas, or feedback, please feel free to comment below.

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