Filling a Column with a Character that Follows the Width

ID: Q43483

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0

SUMMARY

If you use the REPT function to fill a cell, it will not adjust if you change the column width. The following formula allows the cell to fill according to the width with equal signs (=):


   =REPT("=",CELL("width",A1))

After changing the width, you must recalculate. If you want the line to go across two columns, you must modify the formula as follows:


   =REPT("=",SUM(CELL("width",A1),CELL("width",B1)+1))

The extra 1 is needed to account for the space between columns where the grid line usually resides.

As an alternative to using the REPT function to fill a cell with characters, you can also use the Format Alignment command. First, enter the desired character(s) in a cell. Then, choose Alignment from the Format menu and select Fill. The characters will fill to any column width as it is selected.

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Last Reviewed: March 12, 1999