How to Use the COLUMN Function in Excel

The COLUMN function in Excel and Google Sheets is designed to return the column number based on a given reference. It is particularly useful for converting a column letter into a numerical column index.

Understanding the Syntax:

The syntax for the COLUMN function is straightforward:

=COLUMN([reference])

The ‘reference’ argument is optional. When omitted, the function automatically returns the column number where the formula itself is located.

Examples of Using the COLUMN Function:

1. Return the Column Number without Reference:

Formula	Result
`=COLUMN()`	2 (if the formula is positioned in column B)

2. Return the Column Number with Reference:

Consider a scenario where you have data across columns A to D and wish to determine their respective column numbers:

Data	Formula	Result
A	`=COLUMN(A1)`	1
C	`=COLUMN(C1)`	3

3. Using COLUMN in Formulas:

The COLUMN function can be effectively combined with other functions like INDEX and MATCH to craft dynamic formulas that adapt based on column positions.

By incorporating the COLUMN function, you can streamline tasks and enhance data manipulation and analysis in Excel and Google Sheets.

More information: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/column-function-44e8c754-711c-4df3-9da4-47a55042554b

Other functions

ADDRESS

Returns a reference as text to a single cell in a worksheet

AREAS

Returns the number of areas in a reference

CHOOSE

Chooses a value from a list of values

COLUMNS

Returns the number of columns in a reference

FILTER

Filters a range of data based on criteria you define

FORMULATEXT

Returns the formula at the given reference as text

GETPIVOTDATA

Returns data stored in a PivotTable report

HLOOKUP

Looks in the top row of an array and returns the value of the indicated cell

HYPERLINK

Creates a shortcut or jump that opens a document stored on a network server, an intranet, or the Internet

INDEX

Uses an index to choose a value from a reference or array

INDIRECT

Returns a reference indicated by a text value

LOOKUP

Looks up values in a vector or array

MATCH

Looks up values in a reference or array

OFFSET

Returns a reference offset from a given reference

ROW

Returns the row number of a reference

ROWS

Returns the number of rows in a reference

RTD

Retrieves real-time data from a program that supports COM automation

SORT

Sorts the contents of a range or array

SORTBY

Sorts the contents of a range or array based on the values in a corresponding range or array

TRANSPOSE

Returns the transpose of an array

UNIQUE

Returns a list of unique values in a list or range

VLOOKUP

Looks in the first column of an array and moves across the row to return the value of a cell

XLOOKUP

Searches a range or an array, and returns an item corresponding to the first match it finds If a match doesn't exist, then XLOOKUP can return the closest (approximate) match

XMATCH

Returns the relative position of an item in an array or range of cells