How to Change Row Height in Excel - Practical Guide

Learn how to adjust row height in Excel to accommodate text, improve readability, and create professional-looking spreadsheets. This essential formatting skill lets you manually set precise heights or auto-fit rows based on content, ensuring all data displays clearly without manual scrolling or hidden text.

Why This Matters

Proper row height enhances document readability and professionalism, preventing text overflow and ensuring all data is visible without hidden content.

Prerequisites

•Basic Excel knowledge and ability to open a spreadsheet
•Understanding of rows and columns in Excel

Step-by-Step Instructions

Select the row(s) to adjust

Click on the row number on the left side to select an entire row, or click and drag to select multiple rows.

Position cursor at row border

Move your mouse to the border between two row numbers in the header area until the cursor changes to a resize arrow (double-headed arrow).

Drag to adjust height manually

Click and drag the border up or down to increase or decrease row height; release when desired height is reached.

Use Auto-Fit for optimal height

Double-click the border between row numbers to automatically adjust the height to fit the tallest content in that row.

Access Row Height dialog for precise control

Right-click the selected row(s) and choose 'Row Height' to enter an exact measurement in inches or centimeters.

Alternative Methods

Use Format menu

Select row(s), then go to Home > Format > Row Height or Row Height > Optimal Height to adjust via menu instead of dragging.

Context menu shortcut

Right-click selected row(s) and choose 'Row Height' or 'Optimal Height' directly from the context menu for quick access.

Tips & Tricks

✓Double-click the row border to auto-fit instantly without opening dialogs.
✓Select all rows with Ctrl+A, then set uniform height to standardize your spreadsheet appearance.
✓Use row height to create visual separation between data sections without adding blank rows.

Pro Tips

★Combine row height adjustment with cell alignment (Accueil > Alignement > Aligner au centre verticalement) for polished presentations.
★Use consistent row heights across similar data tables to maintain visual harmony and professionalism.
★For merged cells, adjust row height to accommodate the longest text line to prevent content cutoff.

Troubleshooting

Row height won't change when dragging

Ensure your cursor is positioned exactly on the border line between row numbers (it should show a resize arrow). If locked, check Sheet > Protect Sheet to see if rows are protected.

Auto-fit isn't expanding rows enough

Check cell text wrapping (Home > Alignment > Wrap Text); if disabled, enable it first so auto-fit can see multi-line content.

All rows changed when only one was intended

Undo with Ctrl+Z, then click only the specific row number before adjusting to ensure single-row modification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a minimum row height for the entire spreadsheet?

Yes, select all cells (Ctrl+A), then set row height via Home > Format > Row Height. This applies a standard height to all rows, though individual rows can still be adjusted separately.

What's the difference between row height and optimal height?

Row height lets you set a custom measurement, while optimal height automatically adjusts based on the tallest content in that row, ensuring nothing is hidden.

Does changing row height affect printing?

Yes, adjusted row heights will print exactly as displayed on screen. Use Page Layout > Print Area to preview how rows will appear in print before finalizing.

Can I undo row height changes?

Absolutely, use Ctrl+Z immediately after adjusting to revert to the previous height, or use the Undo button in the Quick Access Toolbar.