Microsoft KB Archive/43483

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Filling a Column with a Character that Follows the Width

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0

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SUMMARY
If you use the REPT function to fill a cell, it will not adjust if you change the column width. The following formula allows the cell to fill according to the width with equal signs (=):

  =REPT(&quot;=&quot;,CELL(&quot;width&quot;,A1))

After changing the width, you must recalculate. If you want the line to go across two columns, you must modify the formula as follows:

  =REPT(&quot;=&quot;,SUM(CELL(&quot;width&quot;,A1),CELL(&quot;width&quot;,B1)+1))

The extra 1 is needed to account for the space between columns where the grid line usually resides.

As an alternative to using the REPT function to fill a cell with characters, you can also use the Format Alignment command. First, enter the desired character(s) in a cell. Then, choose Alignment from the Format menu and select Fill. The characters will fill to any column width as it is selected.

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