How to Increase Character Limit in Excel Cell (2 Easy Methods)

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Excel is the most widely used tool for dealing with massive datasets. We can perform myriads of tasks of multiple dimensions in Excel. Sometimes, we set character limits in Excel which we need to increase later. In this article, I will show you how to increase the character limit in Excel cells.


Increase Character Limit in Excel Cell: 2 Ways

This article will cover 2 easy methods to increase the character limit in the cells of Excel. This is the dataset for today’s article. We have some people with their cell phone numbers. The numbers have a fixed character limit of 5 digits. That means you cannot input a cell number that has more than 5 digits. I will change that and increase the limit.

how to increase character limit in excel cell


1. Increase Character Limit to a Fixed Length

Well, you have already gone through the dataset. Suppose the number of users of the mobile operator has increased lately. So, now, the operator has to add 1 digit to accommodate the increased number of customers. But due to the character limit, you cannot increase the character length.

Let’s see how you can increase the limit.

Steps:

  • First of all, select the dataset.
  • Then, go to the Data
  • After that, select Data Validation.

Data Validation to increase character limit in excel cell

  • After that, the Data Validation box will appear.
  • Then, allow Text Length as the data type.

  • Then, select the character length 6.
  • After that, select OK.

Data Validation to increase character limit in excel cell

  • Now, you can have a number of 6

how to increase character limit in excel cell

 


2. Expand Character Limit Beyond a Fixed Length

Now, there is a limitation to the previous method. You can input a number that has only 6 digits, not more or less than that.

That’s why I am going to show another method that will give you more flexibility. This method also requires Data Validation criteria.

Steps:

  • Bring up the Data Validation box like the previous method.
  • Then, set the character length as greater than or equal to 6.
  • After that, select OK.

  • Then, you can add numbers with digits more than 6.


Things to Remember

  • You need to use the Data Validation feature here.

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Conclusion

In this article, I have explained how you can increase character limit in Excel cell. I hope it helps everyone. If you have any suggestions, ideas, or feedback, please feel free to comment below.


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Akib Bin Rashid
Akib Bin Rashid

Hi, this is MD Akib Bin Rashid. I completed my BSc in Engineering back in 2019. After that, I did an MBA. Then, I joined as an Excel and VBA Content Developer at SOFTEKO Digital. Being passionate about data analytics and finance, I will try to assist you with Excel

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