Excel: Using Zoom After Best Fit May Result in #### in Cells

 Last reviewed: August 21, 1996
Article ID: Q83865
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, when you use the Zoom feature to reduce or enlarge the displayed worksheet after you use the AutoFit feature (Best Fit in versions 4.0 and 4.0a) to set the column width, some cells may be filled with # characters.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the AutoFit and Best Fit options apply only to the current Zoom factor. Microsoft Excel uses the screen font at the current zoom factor to calculate the best fit for a cell.

There are a number of factors that may impact this behavior, including the screen resolution, video driver, and fonts being used. This may not happen on all worksheets or on all computers, and it may seem inconsistent in many cases.

WORKAROUNDS

To redisplay the worksheet such that it does not contain the # characters, use the appropriate method below.

Method 1: If you are using Microsoft Excel version 5.0: 

          a. Select the affected cells.

          b. From the Format menu, choose Column, and then choose AutoFit
             Selection.
Method 2: If you are using Microsoft Excel version 4.0 or 4.0a: 

          a. Select the affected cells.

          b. From the Format menu, choose Column Width.

          c. Select the Best Fit button, and choose OK.

REFERENCES

"User's Guide," version 5.0, pages 201-203 "User's Guide 1," version 4.0, pages 39, 254-255 "User's Guide 2," version 4.0, page 171

KBCategory: kbdisplay kbusage kbtool
KBSubcategory:

Additional reference words: 4.00 4.00a 5.00 pound sign signs display

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Last reviewed: August 21, 1996
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