Reducing the size of the formula bar in Excel saves space for a clear view. The formula bar is located below the toolbar, which displays the contents of the active cell. While writing formulas in Excel, you might need to increase or reduce the size of the formula bar.
In this Excel tutorial, you will learn how to reduce the size of the formula bar in Excel using arrows, and a keyboard shortcut.
The following image illustrates reducing the size of the formula bar in Excel.
3 Ways to Reduce the Size of Formula Bar in Excel
Reducing the formula bar size will help you save extra space and provide a cleaner appearance. You can use the two-sided arrow, upward arrow, and keyboard shortcut to reduce the size of the formula bar.
Here we will apply 3 methods to reduce the size of the formula bar in Excel:
Using the Two-Sided Arrow
To reduce the size of the formula bar with the two-sided arrow:
- Place the cursor on the edge of the formula bar to get a two-sided arrow.
- Drag that two-sided arrow upward.
As a result, the size of the formula bar will decrease.
Read More: How to Show and Hide Formula Bar in Excel
Using Upward Arrow
You can also use the upward arrow to reduce the size of the formula bar. To do so, click the upward arrow from the right corner of the formula bar.
If we click it once, the formula bar will expand upward. And if you click it again, the size of the bar will be normal again.
Using Keyboard Shortcut
To reduce the size of the formula bar using the keyboard shortcut, press CTRL + SHIFT + U. You can use the shortcut to increase or decrease the size of the formula bar.
If we use this keyboard shortcut once, the formula bar will expand downward. And if you use it again, the size of the bar will be normal again.
Read More: [Fixed!] Formula Bar Is Not Showing in Excel
How to Increase or Decrease the Font Size of the Formula Bar
Changing the font size of the formula bar improves readability for complex formulas. To do so, follow the steps below:
- Click on the File tab.
- Next, click on Options.
A new window will appear named Excel Options. - Go to General > When creating new workbooks > Font size > 18 > OK.
A warning message will appear asking us to Please close and restart Microsoft Excel so that the font changes can take effect. - Click OK.
Now, if we open the workbook again, we will see that the font size of the formula bar has increased to 18.
Read More: [Fixed!] Excel Formula Bar Not Showing Text
Download Practice Workbook
Download this practice book to exercise the task while you are reading this article.
Conclusion
In this article, I have covered all the methods to reduce the size of the formula bar in Excel. However, if you have any queries or recommendations about this article, please leave a comment below. Have a great day!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to wrap text in the formula bar?
The formula bar does not support text wrapping. If your formula or text is too long to fit, consider breaking it into multiple lines using Alt + Enter within the cell.
Can I change the color of the text in the formula bar?
No, Excel does not provide native options to change the color of text in the formula bar. The text color in the formula bar is typically consistent with your overall Excel theme.
Is there a way to lock the formula bar size to prevent accidental changes?
Unfortunately, Excel does not include a feature to lock the formula bar size. You can freely adjust its height based on your preferences.
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