WRAPROWS takes a one‑dimensional list and reshapes it into a two‑dimensional array by wrapping values across rows after a set count. If a column or row is too long for presentation, WRAPROWS converts it into a compact grid without helper formulas or manual copy‑paste. The syntax is =WRAPROWS(vector, wrap_count, [pad_with]). The vector is the single row or single column to reshape. The wrap_count sets how many items appear in each output row before a new row begins. The optional pad_with fills any empty cells in the last row when the list length is not a perfect multiple of the wrap size. Microsoft’s function reference describes WRAPROWS succinctly and emphasizes that it is part of the modern dynamic array family in Excel for Microsoft 365 and the web. It returns a spill range that updates as the source vector grows or shrinks, which makes it ideal for dashboards, catalogs, menus, and side‑by‑side comparison layouts that need predictable dimensions from variable lists.
In practice, begin with a single column of items and decide how many should appear per row in the final layout. If there are 48 products listed in B5:B52 and the target is eight products per row, enter =WRAPROWS(B5:B52,8) in the top‑left cell of the destination. Excel fills the first row with eight items, continues left‑to‑right until eight are placed, then starts a new row. If the item count changes next month, the spill range grows or shrinks automatically, preserving the eight‑per‑row structure. Exceljet’s overview explains the same behavior with simple examples and highlights that WRAPROWS is essentially the inverse of TOCOL and TOROW: whereas TOCOL flattens a grid into one list, WRAPROWS takes a list and produces a grid. This symmetry is helpful when building reversible pipelines for shaping data.
Padding is a small but important detail. When the last row cannot be fully filled, WRAPROWS places #N/A in the remaining cells by default. That is useful during development because it makes the boundaries explicit. For publishing or printing, pass a third argument to display blanks or placeholders instead. A formula like =WRAPROWS(B5:B52,8,””) pads with empty strings, producing a clean rectangular block. If placeholders are desired, use a dash or a specific token. Ablebits’ tutorial shows both approaches and confirms that wrap_count defines the maximum items per output row and that pad_with defaults to #N/A when omitted. If wrap_count is less than one, Excel returns #NUM; if the vector is not truly one‑dimensional, Excel returns #VALUE. These predictable errors make it easy to validate formulas while setting up a layout.
The vector can be more than a literal range. Because WRAPROWS accepts array expressions, it works beautifully with FILTER, SORT, UNIQUE, and TAKE. A common pattern is to FILTER a master list by a category and then wrap the result into a tiled layout. For example, a marketing sheet might display all products tagged “New” arranged six per row across a promotional panel, with this single formula keeping the layout updated as the product catalog changes. Coefficient’s guide emphasizes this dashboard‑oriented use, where the function transforms linear lists into blocks that are easier to scan and present, and it shows that the only levers to control are the wrap width and the padding character.
WRAPROWS pairs naturally with WRAPCOLS, which performs the same transformation but by columns instead of rows. If the design calls for filling downward first and then moving right, WRAPCOLS is the better choice. Microsoft’s documentation is clear on the difference: WRAPROWS places vector elements left‑to‑right, breaking lines after wrap_count and starting a new row, while WRAPCOLS places elements top‑to‑bottom, breaking columns after wrap_count and starting a new column. My Online Training Hub’s reference ties both together and also links related shaping functions like EXPAND, DROP, TAKE, CHOOSEROWS, and CHOOSECOLS. In practice, you can combine them: wrap a list into rows, then TAKE a fixed number of rows for a compact card; or EXPAND the result to a fixed rectangle, then feed a chart or print range that always has the same dimensions.
There are some practical considerations for robust workbooks. Always start the formula in an area with enough free cells for the spill; #SPILL indicates the output is blocked by existing content or merged cells. When using dynamic sources like FILTER, consider whether the order matters; if it does, wrap FILTER with SORT before WRAPROWS. If the list can be empty, be deliberate about pad_with. An empty result with pad blanks will render a visually empty rectangle; if that would confuse recipients, consider placing a label above the panel summarizing counts, which can be computed with COUNTA on the vector. For very large lists, layouts with many rows and columns can stress print or PDF views; test pagination and use Page Layout to ensure consistent output. These workflow notes mirror guidance in WRAPCOLS documentation too, because both functions generate 2D shapes from 1D inputs and have the same spill and padding behaviors.
WRAPROWS is also useful for creative labeling and compact overviews. Convert a long tag list into a compact brick of labels for a cover sheet. Present email or ID lists in tidy panels rather than single, scrolling columns. Create selection panels by wrapping unique items and pairing the panel with Conditional Formatting to highlight selected values. Because the function is non‑volatile and composes with other dynamic array functions, these layouts remain fast, portable, and easy to audit compared to older helper‑column solutions or manual grid building.
When viewed as part of the modern array toolkit, WRAPROWS is a core shaping primitive that solves a simple but pervasive presentation problem: turning a long list into a grid that reads well, prints predictably, and stays alive as the source changes. Use WRAPROWS whenever a one‑dimensional vector needs to become a two‑dimensional, report‑ready surface. Control width with wrap_count, choose a thoughtful pad_with, stack it with SORT or FILTER as needed, and consider EXPAND or TAKE for a fixed final footprint. With those patterns, a single formula replaces a surprising amount of ad hoc layout work while staying readable to anyone familiar with Excel’s dynamic arrays.
