Final answer:
You should adjust column widths in a spreadsheet to ensure all content is visible, to prepare for printing or presentation, and to achieve a visually appealing layout.
Step-by-step explanation:
When working with spreadsheets, adjusting column widths can be necessary to improve the readability and presentation of your data. You should consider altering the default column width when:
- The contents of your cells are too long to be completely visible in the default width, potentially leading to truncated text or numbers.
- You are formatting a spreadsheet for printing or presentation purposes, which may require specific column sizes to ensure all data is displayed properly on the page.
- You are aiming for a more organized and visually appealing layout where consistent or tailored column widths contribute to the professional look of the document.
Beth's observation about the columns being equidistant apart from the edge columns being slightly closer together is an example of intentional design to create a specific aesthetic effect, similar to how you might adjust column widths in a spreadsheet for visual appeal.