How do I change the width of the data validation list box?

Davy Lawson · External Since: Aug 17, 2005 Posts: 1

I use data validation to select data entries. The width of the list box is
different in some worksheets. How do I control the width to expand when there
is longer text in the list range?

Dave Peterson · External Since: Jul 08, 2005 Posts: 16048

That box's width is determined by the width of the cell that has the
Data|Validation.

Can you widen the column?

Can you (ugh) merge some cells?

Davy Lawson wrote:
>
> I use data validation to select data entries. The width of the list box is
> different in some worksheets. How do I control the width to expand when there
> is longer text in the list range?

--

Dave Peterson

Debra Dalgleish · External Since: Dec 17, 2003 Posts: 3385

Or, if you can use programming, you could use a SelectionChange event to
temporarily widen the column. There are some instructions here:

http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal08.html#Wider

Dave Peterson wrote:
> That box's width is determined by the width of the cell that has the
> Data|Validation.
>
> Can you widen the column?
>
> Can you (ugh) merge some cells?
>
> Davy Lawson wrote:
>
>>I use data validation to select data entries. The width of the list box is
>>different in some worksheets. How do I control the width to expand when there
>>is longer text in the list range?
>
>

--
Debra Dalgleish
Excel FAQ, Tips & Book List
http://www.contextures.com/tiptech.html

sharpis · Joined: Mar 19, 2009 Posts: 1

Simply create the list in a merged cell.
Excel 2007 Ribbon_Home/Alignment/Merge Cells and merge over 2 or more cells for the list width required and then create your data validation list box.