Microsoft KB Archive/83865

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

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0

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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.

WORKAROUND
To redisplay the worksheet such that it does not contain the # characters, use the appropriate method for your situation.

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.