How to show full contents of cell?

[terrypin]

Why can I not see the full contents of B2, '03/12/2016 11 :19', extending into the next empty column, just as in the row above?
I don't want to widen col B.

--
Terry, East Grinstead, UK

 

[BQardi]

As far as I know the "extending" of values in a cell only works with text!
So a date won't extend.
Numbers won't extend.
So on...

 

[hiker95]

terrypin,

Welcome to the MrExcel forum.

BQardi is correct.

Try adjusting column B's width to display the data correctly in cell B2, or, change the font size in cell B2, or try both suggestions.

 

[BQardi]

Yeah. Or you could merge cells, allthough I usually don't recommend this, but in some circumstances there is just no other option.

If it is layout you are worried about, maybe left align all cells in column B and expand width of column B to fit values...

Just some thoughts...

 

[mole999]

without merge you could centre across the two cells or maybe make it text

=TEXT(NOW(),"dd/mm/yyyy hh:mm")

 

[terrypin]

Thanks all, appreciate the fast responses.

Note that I explicitly ruled out widening col B.

I had been assuming that cell B2 would be treated identically to B1, as text. Both have a General format. And I also tried Text format in vain.

However, prompted by your replies, I now realise that Excel must be insisting on treating it as a date. So I'll simply prefix it with a single quote character.

Terry, UK

 

[hiker95]

terrypin,

Thanks for the feedback.

You are very welcome. Glad we could help.

And, come back anytime.