diff --git a/plugin/makecols.vim b/plugin/makecols.vim
index 6c7d16b..2220479 100644
--- a/plugin/makecols.vim
+++ b/plugin/makecols.vim
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ if !exists("g:makecols_orientation") || ! g:makecols_orientation
     let g:makecols_orientation = "horz"
 endif
 if !exists("g:makecols_cols") || ! g:makecols_cols
-    let g:makecols_cols = "5"
+    let g:makecols_cols = 5
 endif