Excel COLUMN Function
How to use the COLUMN Function (WS)
This Excel tutorial explains how to use the Excel COLUMN function with syntax and examples.
SUMMARY:
Returns the column number of the given cell reference.
For example,
- The formula =COLUMN(D10) returns 4, because column D is the fourth column.
- When no reference is provided, COLUMN returns the column number of the cell which contains the formula.
PURPOSE:
To get the column number of a reference.
RETURN VALUE:
The COLUMN function returns a numeric value.
SYNTAX:
=COLUMN([reference])
ARGUMENTS:
The COLUMN function syntax has the following arguments:
- reference: Optional. The cell or range of cells for which you want to return the column number.
- If the reference argument is omitted or refers to a range of cells, and if the COLUMN function is entered as a horizontal array formula, the COLUMN function returns the column numbers of reference as a horizontal array.
- If the reference argument is a range of cells, and if the COLUMN function is not entered as a horizontal array formula, the COLUMN function returns the number of the leftmost column.
- If the reference argument is omitted, it is assumed to be the reference of the cell in which the COLUMN function appears.
REMARKS:
Use reference to get column number of a reference.
- Reference can be a single cell address or a range of cells.
- Reference is optional and will default to the cell in which the COLUMN function exists.
- Reference cannot include multiple references or addresses.
