How to set cell size in cm (centimeters) in Excel?
When working with Excel worksheets, the default settings use character width for columns and points for row heights. Specifically, the default column width is 8.38 characters and the default row height is 12.75 points, which are not direct measurements in centimeters. This default can present challenges when you need to format tables, create printed reports, or design layouts where precise measurements in centimeters are required, particularly to meet specific printing or presentation standards. Excel does not provide a built-in way to set cell dimensions directly in centimeters - which often leads users to look for practical workarounds. Below, you’ll find solutions to easily adjust your cell sizes to centimeters, choosing the most suitable approach for your needs.
Compare methods for setting cell size in centimeters
Set cell size in cm (centimeters) with VBA code
Set cell size in cm (centimeters) with Kutools for Excel 
Alternative solution: Convert centimeters to Excel row height and column width values
Compare methods for setting cell size in centimeters
The methods below differ significantly in how they convert centimeters into Excel cell dimensions. VBA can perform precise conversions through code, Kutools for Excel provides a visual tool for entering row height and column width directly in centimeters, while the conversion-formula approach provides values that you then enter manually into Excel.
| Method | Row height + column width | Accuracy / setup | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set cell size in cm (centimeters) with VBA code | Both are supported, but the article uses separate VBA procedures for row height and column width | Converts centimeter measurements through VBA; requires inserting and running macro code | Automated or repeatable centimeter-based sizing for users comfortable with VBA |
| Set cell size in cm (centimeters) with Kutools for Excel | Enter both Row height and Column width in the same dialog | Select Centimeter as the Unit type and enter the desired dimensions directly—no conversion or VBA required | Quick and frequent precise sizing for tables, forms, and print layouts |
| Convert centimeters to Excel row height and column width values | Calculate row and column values separately, then enter them manually | Row height is converted to points; column width is only an approximation and can vary with font and DPI | Occasional approximate sizing without VBA or an add-in |
Set cell size in cm (centimeters) with VBA code
There is no direct function in Excel for specifying cell size in centimeters, but you can achieve this through custom VBA code. This method is especially useful if you frequently need to set precise dimensions for worksheets being printed or shared in standardized formats. The following codes allow you to set either the row height or the column width in centimeters. Please follow these instructions carefully:
1. Begin by highlighting the range of cells for which you want to set the size in centimeters. You may select rows or columns depending on which measurement you wish to adjust.
2. Go to the Developer tab in your Excel ribbon and click Visual Basic to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications editor. (If the Developer tab isn’t visible, see this guide: Show the Developer tab in Excel.) Then click Insert > Module to create a new module. Paste the following code into the newly created module:
Code for setting row height in centimeters:
Sub RowHeightInCentimeters()
Dim cm As Single
cm = Application.InputBox("Enter Row Height in Centimeters", _
"Row Height (cm)", Type:=1)
If cm Then
Selection.RowHeight = Application.CentimetersToPoints(cm)
End If
End Sub3. To run this code, click the 
button in the VBA editor toolbar, or press F5. You should see a prompt window asking you to enter the desired row height in centimeters. For visual reference, see the screenshot below:
Tips and notes: Enter a numeric value less than 15, as larger numbers may exceed the row height limitation of Excel and might not be visually practical for most sheets. If you enter 0, the row height will remain unchanged. Always check your selected range before applying the script to avoid modifying unintended cells.
4. Click OK to confirm your input. The row heights for all selected cells will now be adjusted to your specified value in centimeters. Below you’ll see a comparison of cells before and after this operation:
 |  |  |
If you wish to set the column width in centimeters instead, you may use the following VBA code. This is particularly helpful when creating forms or tables that must align perfectly with printed layouts:
Code for setting column width in centimeters:
Sub ColumnWidthInCentimeters()
Dim cm As Single, points As Integer, savewidth As Integer
Dim lowerwidth As Integer, upwidth As Integer, curwidth As Integer
Dim Count As Integer
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
cm = Application.InputBox("Enter Column Width in Centimeters", _
"Column Width (cm)", Type:=1)
If cm = False Then Exit Sub
points = Application.CentimetersToPoints(cm)
savewidth = ActiveCell.ColumnWidth
ActiveCell.ColumnWidth = 255
If points > ActiveCell.Width Then
MsgBox "Width of " & cm & " is too large." & Chr(10) & _
"The maximum value is " & _
Format(ActiveCell.Width / 28.3464566929134, _
"0.00"), vbOKOnly + vbExclamation, "Width Error"
ActiveCell.ColumnWidth = savewidth
Exit Sub
End If
lowerwidth = 0
upwidth = 255
ActiveCell.ColumnWidth = 127.5
curwidth = ActiveCell.ColumnWidth
Count = 0
While (ActiveCell.Width <> points) And (Count < 20)
If ActiveCell.Width < points Then
lowerwidth = curwidth
Selection.ColumnWidth = (curwidth + upwidth) / 2
Else
upwidth = curwidth
Selection.ColumnWidth = (curwidth + lowerwidth) / 2
End If
curwidth = ActiveCell.ColumnWidth
Count = Count + 1
Wend
End SubAdvantages: The VBA approach allows exact measurements and batch changes, especially useful when formatting multiple cells at once across large datasets. However, a slight disadvantage is the initial learning curve if you are new to VBA, and this method might not be ideal for quick, one-time changes. In such cases, you can move on to the next method using Kutools for Excel for a more user-friendly solution.
Troubleshooting and suggestions: If the code fails to run, make sure macros are enabled in your Excel environment and your selected cell range is appropriate. Remember, always save your work before running VBA scripts to avoid unintended changes. If you encounter an error, double-check that you pasted the code into a module and not elsewhere, and restart Excel if issues persist.
Set cell size in cm (centimeters) with Kutools for Excel
Compared with the VBA method above, Kutools for Excel provides a more direct, visual way to specify cell dimensions in centimeters. Instead of using separate VBA procedures to convert and set row height and column width, the Adjust Cell Size tool lets you choose the measurement unit and enter both dimensions from the same dialog. It also supports other unit types for different formatting needs.
To begin using this method, install Kutools for Excel if you have not done so already. It can be downloaded and added directly to your Excel environment, making these features accessible right from the ribbon. (Free Download Kutools for Excel Now!)
1. Start by selecting the cells you want to resize in centimeters.
2. Go to the Kutools tab on the Excel ribbon, then click Format > Adjust Cell Size.
3. In the Adjust Cell Size dialog box that appears, select Centimeter from the Unit type dropdown. Input your desired values for Row height and Column width in the Set values section.
4. Click OK or Apply to confirm. Your selected cells will instantly be resized - for example, a row height of 2 centimeters and column width of 3 centimeters. Both dimensions can be configured from the same dialog without additional scripting or manual conversion.
Pros and cautions: Kutools’ visual interface simplifies cell size adjustments and supports additional unit options for different formatting needs. It is particularly convenient when you frequently need to specify both row height and column width using familiar measurements. The main consideration is that Kutools for Excel is an add-in, so make sure it’s installed and activated properly.
Tip: After setting cell sizes, preview your worksheet before printing to ensure that scaling hasn’t affected the layout, especially if you combine centimeter settings with Excel's print area or zoom features.
Demo: Set cell size in cm (centimeters) with Kutools for Excel
Convert centimeters to Excel row height and column width values
While Excel does not support setting row height or column width in centimeters directly with formulas, you can estimate the size by converting centimeters to points (for row height) or character width (for columns). This is useful if you need a quick approximation and don't wish to use VBA or add-ins.
For row height:
Since 1 centimeter is approximately 28.35 points, you can enter the following formula in an empty cell to calculate equivalent points:
=A1*28.35Here, A1 contains your desired centimeter value (e.g.,2). After calculating, manually enter the result into the Row Height dialog (Home > Format > Row Height).
For column width:
Column width in Excel is based on the width of the number "0" in the default font. To roughly estimate column width for centimeters, use this formula (approximate, since it varies by font and DPI):
=A1*3.78A1 is your centimeter value. Take the result and input it in the Column Width dialog (Home > Format > Column Width). This approach is approximate and may give slightly different results depending on font settings.
Note: These conversions are close estimates. Always preview the layout before printing or exporting for final use.
Related articles:
Set column width and row height for a range
How to square multiple cells in Excel?
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