Excel 365 - Data Validation & Column Widths

Question

When using a drop-down list, created using Data Validation, is there a way to adjust the width of the list displayed when you click the drop-down arrow to display the list?

The Help says, "The width of the drop-down list is determined by the width of the cell that has the data validation. You might need to adjust the width of that cell to prevent truncating the width of valid entries that are wider than the width of the drop-down list.", but that isn't true.  The column width where the values are located is only 68 pixels, but what is displayed when clicking the arrow is about 185-190 pixels wide.  The cell where the drop-down list (arrow) is displayed is 75 pixels wide.  The values are Yes and No.  I would think that the list shouldn't be wider than the column where it is being selected.

This workbook has 3 worksheets with the 3rd worksheet being used for the different lists being used on the other 2 worksheets.

Thanks for any assistance with this.

Answer 1

Hi Linda,

Sorry for the inconvenience caused by this issue.

After seeing your post I did some tests and finally got the same result which might match your scenario. I found the drop-down list width really has an abnormal display under one situation:

If I create a new sheet, it would remember width of the first cell I turn on Data Validation, and set it as minimum width for drop-down list.

Here's my repro steps:

1. Create a new work sheet, then choose a column and increase the width.
2. Add drop-down list to this column then save.

And the result is the width of drop-down list won't auto-change if I decrease the column width as it should be.

Also, it even affects other drop-down list width, their minimum width equals the first one when created.

I also tested on the latest version of Excel in Monthly(Targeted) Channel and found the issue still exists.

Again, I am really sorry for the inconvenience caused by this issue, the only workaround I could provide is to create a copy of the sheet then work on that, the drop-down list seems going back normal.

If the problem remains, you could click File->Feedback to get further assistance. I would do more tests and research on that, but we have limited source and the way i suggest you to send feedback would make it quick to let product team investigate on that.

How do I give feedback on Microsoft Office?

Thanks for your understanding and patience.

Have a nice day:)

Best Regards,

Oliver