When to use Excel COLUMN Function

Excel COLUMN function can be used when you want to get the column number of a specified cell.

What it Returns

It returns a number that represents the column number of the specified cell. For example, =COLUMN(B4) would return 2, as B is the second column.

Syntax

=COLUMN([reference]

Input Arguments

[reference] – An optional argument that refers to a cell or range of cells. If this argument is omitted, COLUMN function returns the column number of the cell in which the formula resides.

Additional Notes

If the reference is a range of cells, COLUMN function returns the column number of the left-most column in the specified range. For example, =COLUMN(B2:D10) would return 2 as the left-most column is B2 for which the column number is 2. If the reference is entered as an array, COLUMN function returns the column numbers of all the columns in that array. Reference can not refer to multiple references or addresses. COLUMN function can be particularly helpful when you want to get a sequence of numbers in a row. For example, enter =COLUMN() in cell A1 and drag it to the right. You will have sequence of numbers 1.2.3..

Excel COLUMN Function – Live Example

Excel COLUMN Function – Video Tutorial

Related Excel Functions:

Excel COLUMNS Function. Excel ROW Function. Excel ROWS Function

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Row vs Column in Excel – What’s the Difference?