diff --git a/Lib/test/test_optparse.py b/Lib/test/test_optparse.py
index 4582fa7ae82..9b52659b1fa 100644
--- a/Lib/test/test_optparse.py
+++ b/Lib/test/test_optparse.py
@@ -1500,8 +1500,16 @@ class TestHelp(BaseTest):
         self.assertHelpEquals(_expected_help_long_opts_first)
 
     def test_help_title_formatter(self):
-        self.parser.formatter = TitledHelpFormatter()
-        self.assertHelpEquals(_expected_help_title_formatter)
+        save = os.environ.get("COLUMNS")
+        try:
+            os.environ["COLUMNS"] = "80"
+            self.parser.formatter = TitledHelpFormatter()
+            self.assertHelpEquals(_expected_help_title_formatter)
+        finally:
+            if save is not None:
+                os.environ["COLUMNS"] = save
+            else:
+                del os.environ["COLUMNS"]
 
     def test_wrap_columns(self):
         # Ensure that wrapping respects $COLUMNS environment variable.