In brief
column-width sets a preferred column width. The browser can fit an appropriate number of columns into available space; actual width need not equal the declared number exactly.
Useful to know
column-width sets a preferred column width. The browser can fit an appropriate number of columns into available space; actual width need not equal the declared number exactly. [1]
This suits adaptable text. If the container is narrower than the preferred value, a single column can become narrower too. Do not interpret the property as an immutable size.
Sources
For further detail and to check the information: