Changing Data Alignment

When you enter data in a cell, Excel aligns labels on the left edge of the cell and aligns values and formulas on the right edge of the cell . Horizontal alignment is the way in which Excel aligns the contents of a cell relative to the left or right edge of the cell; vertical alignment is the way in which Excel aligns cell contents relative to the top and bottom of the cell. Excel also provides an option for changing the flow and angle of characters within a cell. The orientation of the contents of a cell is expressed in degrees. The default orientation is 0 degrees, in which characters are aligned horizontally within a cell.

Change Alignment Using the Format Dialog Box

Select a cell or range containing the data to be realigned.

Click the Format menu, and then click Cells .

Click the Alignment tab.

Click the Horizontal list arrow or the Vertical list arrow, and then select an alignment.

Select an orientation. Click a point on the map, or click the Degrees up or down arrow.

If you want, select one or more of the Text Control check boxes.

Click OK.

Did You Know?

You can use the Format Cells dialog box to select other alignment options . Many more alignment options are available from the Format Cells dialog box, but for centering across columns and simple left, right, and center alignment, it's easier to use the Formatting toolbar buttons .

Change Alignment Using the Formatting Toolbar

Select a cell or range containing the data to be realigned.

Click the Align Left, Center, or Align Right button on the Formatting toolbar.

To center cell contents across selected columns, click the Merge And Center button on the Formatting toolbar.

See Also

See " Add Color to Worksheet Tabs " on page 108 for information on adding background color or pictures.

Alignment Toolbar Buttons

Button	Name	Description
	Align Left	Aligns cell contents on the left edge of the cell.
	Center	Centers cell contents in the middle of the cell.
	Align Right	Aligns cell contents on the right edge of the cell.
	Merge and Center	Centers cell contents across the columns of a selected range.