The fastest way to change row height

To change row height in Excel, position your cursor on the border between two row numbers on the left side of the spreadsheet until it turns into a resize arrow, then drag up or down. This works in Excel for Windows, Mac, and the web version.

If you need to set an exact height rather than eyeball it, right-click the row number, select Row Height, and type the measurement in inches. Excel measures row height in points by default (72 points equals one inch), but you can type a decimal number and Excel will convert it.

For multiple rows at once, click the first row number, hold Shift, and click the last row number to select the range. Then drag the border between any two selected rows, and all of them will resize together.

Key Takeaways

  • Drag the border between row numbers to resize a single row without opening any menu.
  • Right-click a row number and choose Row Height to enter an exact measurement instead of dragging.
  • Select multiple rows by clicking the first, holding Shift, and clicking the last, then resize them all at once.
  • Double-click the border between row numbers to auto-fit the height to whatever content is in that row.
  • The Format menu offers a Row Height option if you prefer not to right-click.

Auto-fit row height to content

Double-clicking the border between two row numbers automatically adjusts the row height to fit the tallest content in that row. This is useful when you have wrapped text or large fonts and want the row to expand just enough to show everything without extra space.

To auto-fit multiple rows, select them first (click the first row number, hold Shift, click the last), then double-click any border between the selected rows. All selected rows will resize to fit their content.

Using the Format menu instead of right-click

If right-clicking does not work or you prefer the menu, click the row number to select it, then go to the Format menu at the top. In Excel for Windows, choose Row and then Height. In Excel for Mac, the path is Format > Row > Height.

Type your desired height in the box that appears. You can enter the number in points (the default) or in inches by typing a decimal — for example, 0.5 for half an inch. Click OK to explore the change.

Setting a standard row height for the whole sheet

To change the default row height for an entire worksheet, select all cells by clicking the box in the top-left corner where the row and column headers meet. Then right-click any row number and choose Row Height, or use Format > Row > Height from the menu.

Any new rows you insert after this will use the height you set. Existing rows that you have already resized individually will keep their custom heights — this only affects rows that have not been manually adjusted.

Hiding and unhiding rows by height

You can hide a row by dragging its border all the way down until the row disappears, or by setting the row height to 0. To unhide it, select the rows above and below the hidden row, right-click, and choose Row Height, then set it to any positive number.

A faster way to unhide is to select the rows on either side of the hidden one, then double-click the border between them — Excel will auto-fit and reveal the hidden row. This works in most versions of Excel.

Row height in Excel Online and mobile

Excel Online (the web version) lets you resize rows by dragging the border between row numbers, just like the desktop version. Right-click a row number and select Row Height to enter an exact measurement.

Excel for iPad and iPhone do not offer row height adjustment in the same way. You can select a row and use the formatting options available in the app, but precise height control is limited on mobile devices. For detailed row height work, use the desktop or web version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I drag the row border to resize?

Make sure your cursor is exactly on the line between two row numbers — it should change to a resize arrow. If you click slightly off the border, you will select the row instead. Try moving your cursor up and down along the border until you see the arrow appear.

What is the difference between row height and auto-fit?

Row height is the exact measurement you set manually. Auto-fit measures the content in the row and adjusts the height automatically so nothing gets cut off. Auto-fit is faster when you have mixed content sizes and do not need a uniform height.

Can I set different row heights for different sections of the same sheet?

Yes. Select each row or group of rows and resize them individually. You can have some rows at 15 points, others at 30 points, and so on. There is no limit to how many different heights you can use in one sheet.

Does changing row height affect the printed page?

Yes. Row height changes will show up when you print the sheet. If you want rows to print at a specific height, set them before you print preview. You can also adjust row height in the print preview itself in some versions of Excel.