Make long text readable without widening columns — and understand when wrapping is the right choice.
Wrap Text makes long text display on multiple lines within a single cell by automatically increasing the row height. Without it, text either overflows into adjacent cells (if they're empty) or gets cut off (if they're not).
Select the cell or range → Home tab → Wrap Text button in the Alignment group. Or press Alt + H + W. The row height adjusts automatically to show all the text.
Press Alt + Enter while typing in a cell to force a line break at a specific point. This is different from Wrap Text — it gives you control over exactly where the line breaks.
Right-click the row number → Row Height → enter a value in points. Or double-click the row border to auto-fit. If Wrap Text is on and rows look too tall, the row height was set manually — double-click the row border to reset it.
Wrap Text doesn't work reliably on merged cells. If your text isn't wrapping in a merged cell, this is why. Consider using Centre Across Selection instead of merging — it looks the same but avoids the problems.
Avoid Wrap Text in data tables where row height consistency matters for readability. It's best used in header rows, notes columns, or anywhere long descriptive text needs to be fully visible.
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