diff --git a/plugin/makecols.vim b/plugin/makecols.vim
index 18277a3..a0ccad1 100644
--- a/plugin/makecols.vim
+++ b/plugin/makecols.vim
@@ -83,10 +83,10 @@ endfunction
 
 vnoremap <silent> mc :<C-U>call <SID>makecols()<CR>
 
-if exists(g:makecols_orientation) || ! g:makecols_orientation)
+if !exists("g:makecols_orientation") || ! g:makecols_orientation)
     let g:makecols_orientation = "horz"
 endif
-if exists(g:makecols_cols) || ! g:makecols_cols)
+if !exists("g:makecols_cols") || ! g:makecols_cols)
     let g:makecols_cols = "5"
 endif