diff --git a/io_helper.py b/io_helper.py
index 2fe0260..287ca35 100644
--- a/io_helper.py
+++ b/io_helper.py
@@ -131,8 +131,8 @@ def write_stats_xls(players, top_players, stat, xls_output_filename, config):
 
     # adjust the width of the columns
     for col in sheet.columns:
-        length = max(len(str(cell.value)) for cell in col[4:])
-        sheet.column_dimensions[col[0].column_letter].width = max(length+3, 12)
+        length = max((len(str(cell.value)) for cell in col[4:]), default = 9)
+        sheet.column_dimensions[col[0].column_letter].width = length + 3
         for cell in col:
             cell.alignment = cell.alignment.copy(horizontal="left")