Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Displaying a Set Column Range.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 2, 2021)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Let's say that you want to display a specific number of columns on a worksheet in the available window space. You can manually figure out the necessary width of each column and do the adjustments, or you can write a macro that will figure out, proportionally, how the width of each column should be adjusted to get the desired results.
An easier method, however, is to just adjust the zoom factor for a desired number of columns. This can be done manually by selecting the columns and then choosing View | Zoom | Fit Selection.
If you want to do it programmatically, it is even easier. Right-click a worksheet tab (the one you want this macro to apply to) and then choose View Code from the resulting Context menu. Excel displays the Visual Basic Editor, and you should enter the following into the code window:
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here:
Private Sub Worksheet_Activate()
Range("A1:L1").Select
ActiveWindow.Zoom = True
Range("A1").Select
End Sub
This particular macro assumes that you want to view columns A through L in the window. It selects the range A1:L1, and then sets the zooming factor to display just that selection (the columns you want). Finally, it selects cell A1 and ends.
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (3117) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Displaying a Set Column Range.
Program Successfully in Excel! John Walkenbach's name is synonymous with excellence in deciphering complex technical topics. With this comprehensive guide, "Mr. Spreadsheet" shows how to maximize your Excel experience using professional spreadsheet application development tips from his own personal bookshelf. Check out Excel 2013 Power Programming with VBA today!
When you use macros to create functions, you might want to share those functions with others, particularly if they ...
Discover MoreYou can create macros that run whenever Excel detects a certain event happening within an entire workbook. This tip ...
Discover MoreDo you want a way to reverse names within a cell, making them "last, first" instead of "first last?" Here's a handy macro ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments