Ampler auto-fits columns and rows based on the cells you select — not the whole column — so widths suit the data that matters, not an outlier elsewhere.
Quick answer: Select the cells to use as the reference and click Auto fit columns on the Ampler ribbon; the columns size to make the selected text visible.
How to use it
Select the reference cells, then auto-fit to them.
- Select the cells that the auto-fit should use as its reference.
- Click Auto fit columns to size the columns so all the selected text is visible.
Because the fit is based on the selection, a long value elsewhere in the column doesn’t stretch it — there’s no need to select whole columns or rows.
Keyboard shortcut
Auto fit has no default shortcut. To assign one, open the Settings dropdown on the Ampler ribbon, choose Shortcuts, click Modify on the function, and press your key combination.
Why use it
Excel’s auto-fit sizes a column to its widest cell, so one long value stretches the whole column. Ampler fits based on the cells you select, so the columns suit the data you care about — without selecting full columns.
How consultants use it
Readable, appropriately-sized columns are part of a clean model, and a column stretched by an outlier looks wrong. Three habits apply:
- Fit to the data that matters: the selection sets the width, not an outlier elsewhere.
- No whole-column selection: the intelligent fit works from the cells you pick.
- Readable tables: columns are sized so the relevant text is visible.
Selection-based auto-fit keeps columns sized to the data that matters.
Tips & best practices
- Select the data rows you care about, not the whole column.
- Use it before printing or exporting a table.
- Follow with Cycle column width for company-standard widths.
Availability
Included in Ampler for Excel and the Ampler Suite, on Windows desktop Excel.
Frequently asked questions
How do you auto-fit columns to specific cells in Excel?
Select the reference cells and click Auto fit columns on the Ampler ribbon — it sizes the columns to the selection, not the whole column.
How do you stop one long cell stretching a column?
Use Ampler’s selection-based auto-fit, which sizes the column to the cells you select rather than its widest value.
Do you need to select whole columns to auto-fit?
No. Ampler fits based on the cells you select.