How to Copy Column Size in Google Sheets

The most efficient way to copy column size (width) in Google Sheets is by using the "Paste Special" option. However, you can also achieve this manually by finding the original column's width using the Format menu and applying it to another column, as described in the provided reference.

Here are the common methods:

Method 1: Using Paste Special (Recommended)

This is the quickest and most direct method to copy the exact width of one column and paste it onto another without affecting other formatting or cell content.

1. Select the Source Column: Click the column letter at the top of the column whose width you want to copy.
2. Copy the Column: Right-click on the selected column header and choose Copy, or press Ctrl + C (Windows/Chrome OS) or Cmd + C (Mac).
3. Select the Target Column(s): Click the column letter of the column(s) where you want to paste the width. You can select multiple columns by holding down Shift or Ctrl/Cmd while clicking.
4. Paste Special: Right-click on the selected target column header(s).
5. Choose "Column width only": In the right-click menu, hover over Paste special, then select Column width only from the sub-menu.

The target column(s) will immediately adjust to match the width of the source column.

Method 2: Manually Applying Column Width (Using the Format Menu)

This method involves finding the specific width value of the source column and then manually entering that value for the target column(s). This method utilizes the steps mentioned in the reference.

1. Select the Source Column: Click the column letter of the column whose width you want to find.
2. Access Column Width: Go to the main menu bar and click Format.
3. Open Width Settings: In the Format menu, hover over Column, and then click Width. A dialog box will appear showing the current width of the selected column in pixels.
4. Note the Width: As the reference states, "To copy a column's width, select the column and use Format → Column → Width → OK." This sequence shows you the current width. Note down the exact pixel value displayed in the dialog box. You can click "Cancel" or "OK" to close it.
5. Select the Target Column(s): Select the column(s) where you want to apply this specific width.
6. Apply the Width: Go to Format > Column > Width again.
7. Enter the Value: In the dialog box, delete the existing width and enter the pixel value you noted down from the source column.
8. Confirm: Click OK.

The target column(s) will be resized to the manually entered width.

Comparing Methods

Method	How it Works	Efficiency	Requires Noting Value?	Accuracy
Paste Special	Copies width property directly from source to target.	High	No	Exact
Manual (using Format)	Find source width, then manually apply that value elsewhere.	Lower	Yes	Exact

While the manual method using the Format menu allows you to see and set specific width values, the Paste Special method is generally preferred for simply replicating a column's width quickly.