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Excel COLUMN Function

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.