How to Fix “Wrap Text Not Working” in Excel (4 Possible Solutions)

Understanding the Wrap Text Feature in Excel

In Excel, the Wrap Text feature is crucial for improving text readability. Let’s consider a dataset where individuals’ names and descriptions are stored in columns B and C, respectively. Take a look at column C—you’ll notice that the full information about each person (from column B) isn’t visible. The Wrap Text feature can address this issue effectively. Follow the instructions below to learn how to use it:

  • Assess the Dataset: Start by examining your dataset. If the text in the description column is hard to read, it’s time to apply the Wrap Text option.

How the Wrap Text Works in Excel

  • Applying Wrap Text:
    • Select cells C5 to C9 (where the descriptions are located).
    • From the Home tab, navigate to the Alignment group.
    • Click on the Wrap Text option.

  • Result: After enabling Wrap Text, the text within the cells will adjust to fit the available width, making it more readable.

How the Wrap Text Works in Excel

  • Adjusting Row Height: Sometimes, even with wrap text enabled, the text may not be entirely clear due to row height limitations.
    • To adjust row height, select the rows containing the wrapped text.
    • Right-click and choose Format Cells.
    • Go to the Alignment tab and check the AutoFit Row Height option.

How the Wrap Text Works in Excel

    • The text will now be easily readable and clearly displayed.

How the Wrap Text Works in Excel

Read More: How to Wrap Text in Excel Cell


We’ll use the following dataset to discuss the reasons and solutions for why wrap text is not working in Excel.

Wrap Text not working in Excel


Solution 1 – Apply the AutoFit Row Height Option 

Problem:

The Wrap Text functionality isn’t working due to the Row Expansion problem.

Scenario:

Suppose we have a dataset, and one of the cells (let’s say cell C5) contains the text Dalton is graduated from MIT. This text is already wrapped within the cell. Now, we want to add additional information about Dalton to cell C5 – “Now he is working at Google.”.

Solution:

Follow these steps:

  • Select cell C5.

Apply the AutoFit Row Height Option to Fix the Wrap Text in Excel

  • Type in the additional text: “Now he is working at Google.”

  • Press Enter on your keyboard to update Dalton’s information in cell C5.

Apply the AutoFit Row Height Option to Fix the Wrap Text in Excel

  • To fix the issue, select cells C5 to C9.

  • From the Home tab, click on the AutoFit Row Height option.

Apply the AutoFit Row Height Option to Fix the Wrap Text in Excel

  • This should resolve the problem with wrapping text in Excel.

Apply the AutoFit Row Height Option to Fix the Wrap Text in Excel

Read More: Excel Auto Fit Row Height for Wrap Text


Solution 2 – Unmerge Cell to Enable Wrap Text 

Problem:

When cells are merged, the Wrap Text feature may not work as expected.

Scenario:

Imagine that cells C5 and D5 are merged. We want to wrap text within this merged cell range and display additional information about Dalton.

Solution:

Follow these steps:

  • Select the merged cells C5 and D5.

Unmerge Cell to Fix the Wrap Text Feature in Excel

  • Type “After completing his graduation, he starts working with Google.” within the merged cells.

Unmerge Cell to Fix the Wrap Text Feature in Excel

  • Press Enter to confirm the input.

  • Unmerge the cells:

Unmerge Cell to Fix the Wrap Text Feature in Excel

    • From the Home tab, click on the Merge & Center option.

  • Select the cell range B4:C9. 

Unmerge Cell to Fix the Wrap Text Feature in Excel

  • Click the Wrap Text option.

Unmerge Cell to Fix the Wrap Text Feature in Excel

By following these steps, you’ll be able to wrap text effectively in Excel.


Method 3 – Horizontal Text Alignment 

Problem:

Sometimes cell data exceeds the cell length, causing it to spill over into adjacent cells. We want to avoid this issue.

Solution:

To fix the Wrap Text problem using the Horizontal Alignment command, follow these steps:

  • Right-click your mouse on the cell.

Set Horizontal Alignment to Fix the Wrap Text in Excel

  • A window will appear. Select Format Cells.
  • In the Format Cells dialog box, go to the Alignment tab, select General under Horizontal. 

Set Horizontal Alignment to Fix the Wrap Text in Excel

  • Click OK to apply the changes.

Read More: [Fixed] Wrap Text Not Showing All Text in Excel


Solution 4 – Resize Cells 

Problem:

When the cell length exceeds the text length, the wrap text feature doesn’t work as expected.

Solution:

Follow these steps:

  • Examine your dataset and identify cells where the text length exceeds the cell size.

Resize Cells to Fix the Wrap Text Feature in Excel

  • Resize the columns or cells to accommodate the text.
  • Apply the Wrap Text option to make the text readable.

Resize Cells to Fix the Wrap Text Feature in Excel

 


Things to Remember

  • To apply the Wrap Text option in merged cells, unmerge them first.
  • Adjust column lengths to enable the Wrap Text feature.

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You can download the practice workbook from here:


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Md. Abdur Rahim Rasel
Md. Abdur Rahim Rasel

MD. ABDUR RAHIM is a marine engineer proficient in Excel and passionate about programming with VBA. He views programming as an efficient means to save time while managing data, handling files, and engaging with the internet. His interests extend to Rhino3D, Maxsurf C++, AutoCAD, Deep Neural Networks, and Machine Learning, reflecting his versatile skill set. He earned a B.Sc in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from BUET, and now he has become a content developer, creating technical content... Read Full Bio

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