Add columns excel sheet

Insert or delete rows and columns

Insert and delete rows and columns to organize your worksheet better.

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Note: Microsoft Excel has the following column and row limits: 16,384 columns wide by 1,048,576 rows tall.

Insert or delete a column

  1. Select any cell within the column, then go to Home > Insert > Insert Sheet Columns or Delete Sheet Columns.

  2. Alternatively, right-click the top of the column, and then select Insert or Delete

Insert or delete a row

  1. Select any cell within the row, then go to Home > Insert > Insert Sheet Rows or Delete Sheet Rows.

  2. Alternatively, right-click the row number, and then select Insert or Delete.

Formatting options

When you select a row or column that has formatting applied, that formatting will be transferred to a new row or column that you insert. If you don’t want the formatting to be applied, you can select the Insert Options button after you insert, and choose from one of the options as follows:

Image of the Insert Options button that's displayed after inserting rows or columns.

If the Insert Options button isn’t visible, then go to File > Options > Advanced > in the Cut, copy and paste group, check the Show Insert Options buttons option.

Insert rows

To insert a single row: Right-click the whole row above which you want to insert the new row, and then select Insert Rows.

To insert multiple rows: Select the same number of rows above which you want to add new ones. Right-click the selection, and then select Insert Rows.

Insert columns

To insert a single column: Right-click the whole column to the right of where you want to add the new column, and then select Insert Columns.

To insert multiple columns: Select the same number of columns to the right of where you want to add new ones. Right-click the selection, and then select Insert Columns.

Delete cells, rows, or columns

If you don’t need any of the existing cells, rows or columns, here’s how to delete them:

  1. Select the cells, rows, or columns that you want to delete.

  2. Right-click, and then select the appropriate delete option, for example, Delete Cells & Shift UpDelete Cells & Shift Left, Delete Rows, or Delete Columns

When you delete rows or columns, other rows or columns automatically shift up or to the left.

Tip: If you change your mind right after you deleted a cell, row, or column, just press Ctrl+Z to restore it.

Insert cells

To insert a single cell:

  1. Right-click the cell above which you want to insert a new cell.

  2. Select Insert, and then select Cells & Shift Down.

To insert multiple cells:

  1. Select the same number of cells above which you want to add the new ones.

  2. Right-click the selection, and then select Insert > Cells & Shift Down.

Need more help?

You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community or get support in the Answers community.

See Also

Basic tasks in Excel

Overview of formulas in Excel

Need more help?

Add a Column in Excel

Excel Add Column (Table of Contents)

  • Add Column in Excel
  • How to Add Column in Excel?
  • How to Modify a Column Width?

Add Column in Excel

Excel allows a user to add columns, whether left or right, of the column in the worksheet, which is called Add Column in Excel. Of course, there is more than one way to accomplish a task, as in all Microsoft programs. These instructions cover how rows and columns can be added and modified in an Excel worksheet using a keyboard shortcut and using the context menu with the right-click.

How to Add Column in Excel?

Adding a column in Excel is very easy and convenient whenever we want to add data to the table. There are different Methods to Insert or add Column which is as follows:

  • Manually we can do this by just right-clicking on the selected column> then click on the insert button.
  • Use Shift + Ctrl + + shortcut to add a new column in the Excel.
  • Home tab >> click on Insert >> Select Insert Sheet Columns.
  • We can add N number of columns in the Excel sheet; a user needs to select that many columns which number of columns he wants to insert.

Let’s understand How to Add Column in Excel with a few examples.

Example #1

A user has a standalone book data of sales, income, PBDIT, and Profit details of each quarter of Maruti Suzuki India Pvt Ltd in sheet1.

You can download this Add a Column Excel Template here – Add a Column Excel Template

Step 1: Select the column where a user wants to add the column in the excel worksheet (The new column will be inserted to the left of the selected column, so select accordingly)

Step 2: A user has selected the D column where he wants to insert the new column.

insert the new column

Step 3: Now Right-click and select Insert button or use shortcut Shift + Ctrl + +

Example 1-2

Or

Shortcut Key

As we can see, as it was required to insert a new column between C and D column, in the above example, we have added a new column. So, as a result, it will move the D column data to the next column, which is E, and it will take the place of D.

Example 1-4 

Example #2

Let’s take the same data to analyze this example. A user wants to insert three columns left of the B column.

Step 1: Select B, C, and D columns where a user wants to insert new 3 columns in the worksheet (The new column is inserted to the left of the selected column, so select accordingly)

Step 2: A user has selected the B, C, and D columns where he wants to insert a new column

Example 2-1

Step 3: Now Right-click and select Insert button or use shortcut Shift + Ctrl + +

Insert Button

Or

Shortcut Key

As we can see, as it was required to insert a new column left of the B, C, and D column, we added a new column in the above example. As a result, it will move B, C, and D column data to the next column, which are E, F, and G; it will take the place of the B, C, and D column.

Added New Column

Example #3

Step 1: Go to Worksheet >> Select the column’s heading where a user wants to insert a new column.

Step 2: Click on the Insert button.

Step 3: One drop-down will be open; click on the Insert Sheet Columns.

Insert Sheet Column

As the user wants to use the Insert toolbar to insert a new column, as in the above example, it added.

New Column

Example #4

The user can insert a new column in any version of Excel; in the above examples, we can see that we had selected one or more columns in the worksheet then >Right click on the selected column> then clicked on the Insert button.

To add a new column in the excel worksheet.

Click in a cell to the left or right of where you want to add a column. If the user wants to add a column to the left of the cell, then follow the below process:

  • Click on Table Columns to the Left from the Insert option.

Table Column to the Left

And if a user wants to insert the column to the right of the cell, then follow the below process:

  • Click on Table Columns to the Right from the Insert option.

Table Columns to the Right

How to Modify a Column Width?

A user can modify the width of any column. Let’s take an example as some of the content in column A cannot be displayed. We can make all this content visible by changing the width of column A.

Step 1: Position the mouse over the column line in the column heading to the Black Cross. (As shown below)

Step 2: Click, hold and drag the mouse to increase or decrease the column width.

Step 3: Release the mouse. The column width will be changed.

 Column Width 1

A user can auto fit the width of the column. The AutoFit feature will allow you to set a column’s width to fit its content automatically.

Step1: Position the mouse over the column line in the column heading to the Black Cross.

Step2: Double-click the mouse. The column width will be changed automatically to fit the content.

Column Width 2

Things to Remember About Add a Column in Excel

  • The user needs to select that column where the user wants to insert the new column.
  • By default, every row and column have the same height and width, but a user can modify the width of the column and the height of the row.
  • The user can insert multiple columns at a time.
  • You can also AutoFit the width for several columns at the same time. Simply select the columns you want to AutoFit, and then select the AutoFit Column Width command from the Format drop-down menu on the Home. This method can also be used for row height.
  • All the rules will also be applied for rows, as applied to column insertion.
  • Excel allows the user to wrap text and merging cells.
  • For deleting also, we can go to Home Tab >> Delete >> Delete Sheet Columns; either we can select the column which we want to delete or >> Right Click >> click on Delete.
  • After adding the insert column, all the data will be shifted to the right side after that column.

Recommended Articles

This is a guide to add a column in excel. Here we have discussed How to Add a column in excel by using different methods and How to modify a column in Excel along with practical examples and a downloadable excel template. You can also go through our other suggested articles –

  1. COLUMNS Formula in Excel
  2. Switching Columns in Excel
  3. Excel COLUMN to Number
  4. Freeze Columns in Excel

Insert or delete rows and columns

  1. Select any cell within the column, then go to Home > Insert > Insert Sheet Columns or Delete Sheet Columns.
  2. Alternatively, right-click the top of the column, and then select Insert or Delete.

Contents

  • 1 How do I add up a column in Excel?
  • 2 How do I add a column to a sheet?
  • 3 How do I add rows and columns in Excel?
  • 4 How do you add a column A and B in Excel?
  • 5 How do I insert lines in Excel?
  • 6 Where is the column in Excel?
  • 7 How do I use columns in Excel?
  • 8 How do you add a column and row in a worksheet?
  • 9 How do I add columns and rows?
  • 10 What is Ctrl enter in Excel?
  • 11 Why can’t I insert column in Excel?
  • 12 What is column () in Excel?
  • 13 What’s a column in Excel?
  • 14 How do I get the column name in Excel?
  • 15 How will you insert a column in a table answer?
  • 16 How do I insert a row in Excel without right clicking?
  • 17 What is a row vs column?
  • 18 Why cant I Ctrl Enter in Excel?
  • 19 What is Ctrl D in Excel?
  • 20 When you press Ctrl Enter you insert a?

How do I add up a column in Excel?

How to add a column in Excel by right-clicking

  1. Open Microsoft Excel on your PC or Mac computer.
  2. Select the column to the right of where you want a new column.
  3. Right-click anywhere in the column.
  4. Click “Insert” from the menu.
  5. You will now have an empty column of cells directly before the one you clicked on.

How do I add a column to a sheet?

On your computer, open a spreadsheet in Google Sheets. Select a row, column, or cell. Right-click the row, column, or cell. From the menu that appears, select Insert 1 left, right, above or below.

How do I add rows and columns in Excel?

To insert a row, pick a cell or row that’s not the header row, and right-click. To insert a column, pick any cell in the table and right-click. Point to Insert, and pick Table Rows Above to insert a new row, or Table Columns to the Left to insert a new column.

How do you add a column A and B in Excel?

In this example, we’ve selected cell B3 because we want to insert a new column between column A and column B.

  1. Right-click and select “Insert” from the popup menu.
  2. When the Insert window appears, select the “Entire column” option and click on the OK button.
  3. A new column should now be inserted in the spreadsheet.
  4. NEXT.

How do I insert lines in Excel?

To start a new line of text or add spacing between lines or paragraphs of text in a worksheet cell, press Alt+Enter to insert a line break. Double-click the cell in which you want to insert a line break (or select the cell and then press F2). Click the location inside the selected cell where you want to break the line.

Where is the column in Excel?

Row and Column Basics
MS Excel is in tabular format consisting of rows and columns. Row runs horizontally while Column runs vertically. Each row is identified by row number, which runs vertically at the left side of the sheet. Each column is identified by column header, which runs horizontally at the top of the sheet.

How do I use columns in Excel?

To insert columns:

  1. Select the column heading to the right of where you want the new column to appear. For example, if you want to insert a column between columns D and E, select column E.
  2. Click the Insert command on the Home tab. Clicking the Insert command.
  3. The new column will appear to the left of the selected column.

How do you add a column and row in a worksheet?

To insert a row or column:

  1. Select the row above or the column to the right of where the insertion should occur.
  2. Choose Home→Cells and click the arrow to the right of the Insert button to open the drop-down list for the Insert button.
  3. From the menu, choose Insert Sheet Rows or Insert Sheet Columns.

How do I add columns and rows?

Add a row or column

  1. Click where you want in your table to add a row or column and then click the Layout tab (this is the tab next to the Table Design tab on the ribbon).
  2. To add rows, click Insert Above or Insert Below and to add columns, click Insert Left or Insert Right.

What is Ctrl enter in Excel?

#2 – Ctrl+Enter to Fill All Selected Cells with the Same Data or Formula. When we are entering data or a formula in a cell, and have multiple cells selected, Ctrl+Enter will copy the data/formula to all of the selected cells.

Why can’t I insert column in Excel?

Figure 1: It’s frustrating when Excel won’t allow you to insert columns or rows. The first, and usually easiest, method is to delete all columns to the right of the active area of your worksheet.Right-click on any of the selected cells, choose Delete, Entire Column, and then OK.

What is column () in Excel?

The COLUMN function in Excel is a Lookup/Reference function. This function is useful for looking up and providing the column number of a given cell reference. For example, the formula =COLUMN(A10) returns 1, because column A is the first column.

What’s a column in Excel?

In Microsoft Excel, a column runs vertically in the grid layout of a worksheet. Vertical columns are numbered with alphabetic values such as A, B, C.Each column in the worksheet has its own column number which is used as part of a cell reference such as A1, A2, or M16.

How do I get the column name in Excel?

Slightly manual but less VBA and a simpler formula:

  1. In a row of Excel, e.g. cell A1, enter the column number =column()
  2. In the row below, enter =Address(1,A1)
  3. This will provide the result $A$1.

How will you insert a column in a table answer?

Answer: Click where you want in your table to add a row or column and then click the Layout tab (this is the tab next to the Table Design tab on the ribbon). To add rows, click Insert Above or Insert Below and to add columns, click Insert Left or Insert Right.

How do I insert a row in Excel without right clicking?

Select a cell in the row where you want the new rows added. Press and hold the Shift key. Press the Spacebar without releasing the Shift key. The entire row is highlighted.

What is a row vs column?

What is the Difference between Rows and Columns?

Rows Columns
A row can be defined as an order in which objects are placed alongside or horizontally A column can be defined as a vertical division of objects on the basis of category
The arrangement runs from left to right The arrangement runs from top to bottom

Why cant I Ctrl Enter in Excel?

If the Ctrl, Alt and Enter keys are working normally in other situations (ruling out keyboard malfunction), you might have software running in the background that hijacks those key combinations. Do Windows key+Ctrl+Enter and Windows key+Alt+Enter work instead of Ctrl+Enter and Alt+Enter?

What is Ctrl D in Excel?

Ctrl+D in Excel and Google Sheets
In Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, pressing Ctrl + D fills and overwrites a cell(s) with the contents of the cell above it in a column. To fill the entire column with the contents of the upper cell, press Ctrl + Shift + Down to select all cells below, and then press Ctrl + D .

When you press Ctrl Enter you insert a?

In a multi-line edit control on a dialog box, Ctrl + Enter inserts a carriage return into the edit control rather than executing the default button on the dialog box.

Adding a column in Excel means inserting a new column to the existing dataset. Besides inserting, one may need to delete, hide, unhide, and move rows or columns. Such modifications help in structuring and organizing the dataset. As a result, it is essential to be aware of the techniques related to these alterations.

For example, while preparing a consolidated balance sheet, Mr. X realizes that the data related to the previous year is missing. To include this data, he wants to insert a new column. Here, the method of inserting a column comes into use.

Excel provides different ways of performing actions on a dataset. This article discusses the most appropriate and effective methods of working with data. It covers the following aspects: –

  1. Insert Excel columns (alternate methods and shortcuts)
  2. Delete columns and rows
  3. Hide and unhide rows or columns
  4. Move rows or columns

Apart from inserting columns in Excel, the remaining topics have been covered in brief.

Table of contents
  • How to Add/Insert Columns in Excel?
    • Example #1–Add Columns in Excel
    • Example #2–Alternate Method to Insert Rows and Columns in Excel
    • Example #3–Hide and Unhide Columns & Rows in Excel
    • Example #4–Move Rows or Columns in Excel
  • Shortcuts to Insert Columns in Excel
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Recommended Articles

Insert-Columns-in-Excel-1

How to Add/Insert Columns in Excel?

Below are some examples through which you may learn how to add and insert columns in Excel.

Example #1–Add Columns in Excel

The following table shows the first and the last names in columns A and B, respectively. We want to insert a new column (column B) between these names, which will display the middle name.

Insert Columns Example 1

The steps to insert a new column (column B) between two existing columns (columns A and B) are listed as follows:

Step 1: Select any cell of column B. Alternatively, one can also select column B, as shown in the following image. Further, click the “Insert” drop-down from the “Home” tab of the Excel ribbonThe ribbon is an element of the UI (User Interface) which is seen as a strip that consists of buttons or tabs; it is available at the top of the excel sheet. This option was first introduced in the Microsoft Excel 2007.read more. Finally, select “Insert Sheet Columns.”

Note: To select a column, click its label or header on top.

Insert Columns Example 1-1

Step 2: A new column (column B) is inserted between the columns containing the first and the last names. As a result, the data (last name) of the previous column B (shown in step 1) now shifts to column C.

Note: Excel inserts a column immediately preceding the column of the selected cell. Hence, one must always choose a cell accordingly. If a column is selected, Excel inserts a column preceding it.

Insert Columns Example 1-2

Example #2–Alternate Method to Insert Rows and Columns in Excel

Working on the data of example #1, we need to insert a middle name column using the following methods:

a) Select and right-click a cell

b) Select and right-click a column

a) The steps for inserting a column after selecting and right-clicking a cell are listed as follows:

Step 1: Select any cell of column B. This is because a column preceding column B is to be inserted. Right-click the selection and choose “insert,” as shown in the following image.

Insert Columns Example 2

Step 2: The “Insert” dialog box appears. Select “Entire column” to insert a new column.

Note: For inserting a new row, select “Entire row.”

Insert Columns Example 2-1

Step 3: A new column (column B) for typing middle names has been inserted.

Insert Columns Example 2-2

b) The steps for inserting a column after selecting and right-clicking a column are listed as follows:

Step 1: Select the entire column B. That is because a column preceding column B is to be inserted. Right-click the selection and choose “Insert,” as shown in the following image.

Insert Columns Example 2-6

Step 2: A new column B is inserted. The same has been shown under step 3 of method a.

Note: Select the entire row preceding which a new row is inserted for inserting rows. Right-click the selection and choose “Insert.” The same is shown in the following image.

Insert Columns Example 2-7

Example #3–Hide and Unhide Columns & Rows in Excel

Working on the data of example #1, we want to perform the following tasks:

a) Hide columns A and B or rows 3 and 4 by right-clicking

b) Hide column A by using the “format” drop-down

c) Unhide columns B and C by right-clicking

a) The steps to hide the columns A and B or rows 3 and 4 by right-clicking are listed as follows:

Step 1: Select columns A and B. Right-click the selection and choose “hide,” as shown in the next image.

Note 1: To select a row or column, click the row number (to the left) or the column label (on top).

Note 2: Multiple adjacent rows or columns can be selected by dragging across the row and column headings. Alternatively, hold the “Shift” key while selecting the rows or columns.

Note 3: We can select non-adjacent rows or columns by holding the “Ctrl” key while making the selections.

Add Columns Example 3

Step 2: Columns A and B will be hidden. Likewise, select rows 3 and 4. Right-click the selection and choose the “Hide” option from the context menu. The same is shown in the following image.

Add Columns Example 3-1

It will hide rows 3 and 4.

b) The steps to hide column A by using the “format” drop-down are listed as follows:

Step 1: Select any cell of column A. Click the “Format” drop-down under the “Home” tab of the Excel ribbon. Next, select “Hide Columns” under the “Hide & Unhide” option.

The same is shown in the following image.

Note: Alternatively, select the relevant column to be hidden. Click “Hide columns” under the “Hide & Unhide” option.

Add Columns Example 3-2

Step 2: We will hide the column of the selected cell, column A. Likewise, to hide rows, select the relevant row. Then, choose “Hide Rows” from the “Hide & Unhide” option of the “Format” drop-down.

c) The steps to unhide columns B and C by right-clicking are listed as follows:

Step 1: Select the unhidden columns (A and D) immediately before and after the hidden columns (B and C). Right-click the selection and choose “Unhide.”

Add Columns Example 3-3

Step 2: The columns B and C will be unhidden. The dataset appears as shown in step 1 of task b.

Likewise, unhide rows by selecting the “Unhide rows” (immediately before and after the hidden rows) and clicking “Unhide” from the context menu.

Example #4–Move Rows or Columns in Excel

Working on the data of example #1, we want to move column B (last name) to precede column A (first name).

The steps to move column B are listed as follows:

Step 1: Select column B, which is to be moved. Cut it in either of the following ways:

  • Press “Ctrl+X.”
  • Click the scissors icon from the “Clipboard” group of the “Home” tab.

Move Example 4

Step 2: Select column A, where the data of column B is to be pasted. Right-click the selection and choose “Insert Cut Cells.”

Move Example 4-1

Alternatively, select “Insert Cut Cells” from the “Insert” drop-down of the “Home” tab. The same is shown in the following image.

Note: The “Insert Cut Cells” option will be visible once the selected cells have been cut.

Move Example 4-2

Step 3: The data of column B is pasted into column A. Hence, the first column (column A) now contains the last names. The data of the initial column A (first name) automatically shifts to column B.

The same is shown in the following image.

Note: A row can be selected, cut, and pasted to the desired location. Select the “Insert Cut Cells” option from the “Insert” drop-down of the “Home” tab for pasting.

Move Example 4-3

Shortcuts to Insert Columns in Excel

Let us go through the two shortcuts for inserting columns and rows.

a) Shortcut for inserting with the “Insert” drop-down of the “Home” tab

The excel shortcutAn Excel shortcut is a technique of performing a manual task in a quicker way.read more for inserting a row or column with the “Insert” drop-down works as follows:

  • Select a cell preceding which a row or column is inserted.
  • Click the “Insert” drop-down from the “Cells” group of the “Home” tab.
  • Press “R” to insert a row or “C” to insert a column

A new row or column is inserted depending on the third pointer’s key.

Note: Under the “Insert” drop-down, the “R” of “insert sheet rows” and the “C” of “insert sheet columns” are underlined. Hence, these keys work as shortcuts for inserting rows and columns.

b) Shortcut for inserting with right-click

  1. The shortcut for inserting a row or column with right-click works as follows:
  2. Select a cell preceding which a row or column is inserted.
  3. Right-click the selection and press “I.” The “Insert” dialog box opens.
  4. Press “R” to insert a row or “C” to insert a column.
  5. Press the “Enter” key.

A new row or column is inserted depending on the third pointer’s key.

Note: If the “Insert” dialog box does not open in step 2, press the “Enter” key after pressing “I.” It opens the “Insert” dialog box.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does it mean to insert a column? How is it done in Excel?

Inserting a column refers to adding a new column to an existing dataset. This new column may contain additional data that can be important for the end-user.

Additionally, there is a possibility that a column has been omitted by mistake. In such cases, inserting a column will be helpful.

The steps to insert a column in Excel are listed as follows:

a. Select the column preceding which a new column is to be inserted.
b. Right-click the selection and choose “Insert” from the context menu.

It will insert the new column immediately before the selected column.

Note: To select a column, click its header (label) on top.

2. How to insert a column in Excel by using a shortcut?

Let us insert a new column E in Excel. The steps to insert a column (column E) by using a shortcut are listed as follows:

a. Select the existing column E.
b. Press the keys “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign(+)” together to insert a column.

It will insert the new column E. The data of the initial column E now shifts to column F.

Note 1: One must select a column carefully. That is because Excel inserts a column preceding the selected column.

Note 2: As an alternative to step a, one can select any cell of column E. After that, press “Ctrl+space” to select the entire column E.

3. How to insert multiple adjacent columns in Excel?

Let us insert columns D, E, and F in Excel. The steps to insert multiple columns (D, E, and F) are listed as follows:

a. Select as many columns in the existing dataset as the number of the new columns to be inserted. So, select the current columns D, E, and F.
b. Press the keys “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign(+)” together.

It will insert the blank columns D, E, and F. The initial columns D, E, and F data shift to columns G, H, and I.

Note 1: Alternative to step a: select adjacent cells of columns D, E, and F. These cells should be in one row. Further, press “Ctrl+space.” As a result, columns D, E, and F will be selected.

Note 2: To select multiple adjacent columns (in step a), drag across the column headings. Alternatively, hold the “Shift” key while selecting the columns.

Note 3: Alternative to step b: right-click the selection and choose “Insert.”

Recommended Articles

This article is a guide to Add Columns in Excel. We also discuss inserting, hiding, and moving rows and columns in Excel and practical examples. You may learn more about Excel from the following articles: –

  • Compare Two Columns in Excel for Matches
  • 3 Ways to Show Excel Negative Numbers
  • Rows vs. Columns
  • Move Columns in Excel
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How to Add a Column in Excel: Full Guide with Shortcuts

How to Add a Column in Excel: Full Guide with Shortcuts

Adding columns in our worksheets might just be one of the most basic tasks that we do in Excel.

Adding one column is not a problem. But what if you need to add multiple columns? 😱

That will not be a problem too! Learn different and faster ways to either insert a single column or insert multiple columns at once. This will surely help you insert important data faster, and work smarter in Excel😀

Let’s go!

You can download this free practice workbook we’ve prepared for you to work on.

Add columns with right-click

The easiest way to add a column in Excel is by using the right-click option. You can insert a column within two clicks of your mouse.

You can do this in two ways too! You can right-click the column letter or right-click a cell in a column. We’ll teach you how to do both👇

Right-click the Column letter

You can right-click the column letter to add a column in Excel.

The column letter is a gray-colored row containing the letters (A, B, C, … ) used to identify each column in the worksheets.

column header in Microsoft excel

Open your practice workbook. Let’s say we want to insert a new column in the sheet intended for the titles of the names in the list.

Let’s insert a column after the Full Name column below.

  1. Right-click column letter B.
  2. Click Insert.
right click insert option

Viola! You’ve inserted a new column👍

new column

We can add a title to this new column. Let’s type “Title” and fill in the needed data.

insert sheet columns

(The emails we use in these examples are generated from a fake email generator and do not belong to anyone.)

Pro Tip!

You can also highlight the whole column by selecting a cell and then press “Ctrl” + “Space” on your keyboard. Then follow the steps above to insert a column immediately.

Right-click the cell

You can also right-click the cell in a column to insert a new column.

Say, we want to add a column between columns C and D.

  1. Right-click on cell C4.
  2. Then click Insert.
simply right click

An insert dialog box will pop up. Giving you options on what to insert.

  1. Click the Entire column option.
  2. Finally, click OK.
Insert entire column

That’s it! You got a whole column you can use to insert needed data in your worksheet😊

new column

Add columns from the ribbon menu

Another way to add columns is by using the Standard Menu option. You can insert columns by clicking the Insert button in the Home Tab of the Excel ribbon.

For example, let’s insert a new column between columns E and F in our workbook. To do that, make sure to click Column F or any of its cells👇

  1. Select any cell in Column F.
insert sheet columns in excel
  1. Go to the Home Tab, and head over to the Cells Group.
Click Cells group

In the Cells Group, you will find the Insert, Delete, and Format Cells options.

  1. Click the dropdown arrow in the Insert button.
  2. Select the Insert Sheet Columns option.
insert sheet columns

The column you select is the new location where your column will be inserted. This will move the other columns and their values to the right.

This moves columns to the right.

Add columns with shortcuts

You can do all the steps you have done above easier and faster with keyboard shortcuts. All you have to do is to press certain key combinations on your keyboard to perform tasks and functions in Excel. Here’s how.

First, select the column letter. In our workbook, select column letter E.

Then hold down the keys “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “+“.

select column

You get an instant column😀

new column

Insert Column Hot Key

You can also use the Insert Column Hot Key. A hot key is a key combination to perform an action quickly.

The hotkey combination for adding a column is holding down “Alt” + “I” + “C“.

To use it, simply select a cell from a column you like to insert a column before it.

selected cell

Alt” + “I” is the hotkey for “Insert”.

Alt” + “I” + “C” is the hotkey for “Insert columns”.

new column

Insert a column using the right-click or standard menu option. Insert a column like a PRO when you use the keyboard shortcuts, especially the Insert column hot keys😎

This works not only in inserting one column but also inserting multiple columns in Excel!

How to add multiple columns at once

You can forget having to insert a column one by one. Why do that when you can insert multiple columns at once? There are plenty of ways to choose from when you want to insert multiple columns.

We can use the right-click option to insert multiple columns.

Let’s add three new columns to our worksheet. A column for First Name, Middle Initial, and Last Name.

  1. Highlight Column letters C, D, E.
select column
  1. Right-click and select Insert.
insert option

Three new columns are added in seconds⚡

new columns

You can choose to do this using the Standard Menu option as well. Any of the ways will yield the same results.

The number of columns you highlight will be the number of columns that will be inserted into the worksheet.

Kasper Langmann, Microsoft Office Specialist

Insert Column Hot Key

Let’s try to insert multiple new columns using keyboard shortcuts. Specifically, the Insert Column Hotkey.

  1. Select cells C3 to E5.
  2. Press Alt + I + C on your keyboard.
select cells

Columns are inserted instantly🙌

new multiple columns

You can add single or multiple columns using the Keyboard shortcut. Whichever works for you. But this one is our favorite😊

That’s it – Now what?

Nice work! Adding columns might be basic and repetitive when working in Excel but you can always level up by adding multiple columns using shortcuts😀

You can now add a column or columns as needed in your worksheets to insert important data that shouldn’t be missing in your report or records.

While adding rows is easy, Excel has a lot in store for you to make your work easier. Learn about Excel’s built-in functions like the IF and SUMIF function. Don’t miss out on Excel’s most popular function too: the VLOOKUP function🚀

You won’t be missing these when you join my free 30-minute video course.

Other resources

Do you want to know how to insert rows instead? We got you! Click here to learn how to insert rows in Excel.

You can actually transpose data between rows and columns in excel. Read our How to Transpose Data in Excel: Turn Rows into Columns (2022) guide to help you transpose data between rows and columns!

Happy reading (and learning)👋

Kasper Langmann2022-12-14T00:54:10+00:00

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Home / Excel Basics / How to Add a Column in Excel

While working in Excel, adding, or removing the column(s) is a common task, and there are multiple ways to add or insert the columns in the Excel sheets.

One can choose any of the ways to add or insert the columns based on his/her preference.

Steps to Insert a Single Column

  1. First, right-click on any cell in the column.
  2. After that, you will get a pop-up with multiple options.
  3. Now, click on the “Insert” option.
  4. After that, right-click and you will get a pop-up with multiple options.
  5. Now, select the “Entire column” option and click ok.
    umn
  6. At this point, the column has been inserted to the left of your selected cell.
    mn

Tip: you can select the whole single or multiple columns by selecting the column header letters and right-click, then select “Insert” from the pop-up option. The number of inserted columns always depends on how many columns you have selected.

You can also insert the column from the “Home” Tab Ribbon.

  1. First, make sure that you are on the “Home Tab” and then click on any cell in the column.
    5-home-tab
  2. Here, you will find the “Insert” icon within the “cells” group on the Ribbon.
    6-cells-group-in-ribbon-tab
  3. Now, click on the “Insert” icon and select “Insert Sheet Column” from the listed drop-down menu.
    7-insert-sheet-columns
  4. At this point, the column has been inserted to the left of your selected column cell.
    8-new-inserted-column

Add Multiple Columns

  • To add multiple columns, first, you need to select multiple cells instead of a single cell.
    ells
  • After that, right-click and you will get a pop-up with multiple options.
  • Now, click on the “Insert” option.
    g
  • Once you click on the “Insert” option, you will again get a pop-up option.
  • Now, select the “Entire column” option and click ok.
    lumn
  • At this point, three columns have been inserted to the left of your selected cells as you had selected three cells.
    d-columns
  • To add the multiple “non-adjacent” columns, First, you need to select the cells one by one by holding the CTRL key from the keyboard.
    ls
  • Once you select the cells, release the CTRL key
  • After that, right-click and click on the “Insert” option from the pop-up options.
    ion
  • Now, select the “Entire column” option and click ok.
  • At this point, “non-adjacent” columns have been inserted to the left of your selected cells.
    umns

Insert a Column in Excel Table

When you convert your data set into a table range, the insert column method losses some of its functionality.

For example, you cannot insert non-adjacent columns in one go as you do in a normal data set by selecting the non-adjacent columns to insert columns to the left of them.

In table range, if you want to insert multiple non-adjacent columns, you need to do it one by one.

Add a Column using a Keyword Shortcut

My favorite shortcut method to insert the column(s) is by selecting the whole column with a shortcut key to the left of which you want to insert the column.

Tip: You can press + (Plus Sign) multiple times to insert multiple columns while holding the SHIFT + Control.

Creating new tables, reports and pricelists of different types, we cannot predict the number of necessary rows and columns. Using Excel program implies to a great extent creating and setting up spreadsheets, which requires inserting and deleting different elements.

First, let’s consider the methods of inserting sheet rows and columns when creating spreadsheets.

Note that in this tutorial we indicate hot keys for adding or deleting rows and columns. They should be used after highlighting the whole row or column. To highlight the row where the cursor is placed, press the combination of hot keys: SHIFT+SPACEBAR. Hot keys for highlighting a column are CTRL+SPACEBAR.



How to insert a column between other columns?

Assuming you have a pricelist lacking line item numbering:

pricelist.

To insert a column between other columns for filling in pricelist items numbering you can use one of the two ways:

  1. Move the cursor to activate A1 cell. Then go to tab «HOME», tool section «Cells» and click «Insert», in the popup menu select «Insert Sheet Columns» option.
  2. Insert Sheet Columns.

  3. Right-click the heading of column A. Select «Insert» option on the shortcut menu.
  4. Right-click.

  5. Select the column, and press the hotkey combination CTRL+SHIFT+PLUS.

Now you can type the numbers of pricelist line items.

Simultaneous insertion of several columns

The pricelist still lacks two columns: quantity and units (items, kilograms, liters, packs). To add simultaneously, highlight the two-cell range (C1:D1). Then use the same tool on the «Insert»-«Insert Sheet Columns» main tab.

simultaneously.

Alternatively, highlight two headings of columns C and D, right-click and select «Insert» option.

right-click and select.

Note. Columns are always added to the left side. There appear as many new columns as many old ones have been highlighted. The order of inserted also depends on the order of highlighting. For example, next but one etc.



How to insert a row between rows in Excel?

Now let’s add a heading and a new goods line item «All for the garden» to the pricelist. To this end, let’s insert two new rows simultaneously.

Highlight the nonadjacent range of two cells A1,A4 (note that character “,” is used instead of character “:” – it means that two nonadjacent ranges should be highlighted; to make sure, type A1; A4 in the name field and press Enter). You know from the previous tutorials how to highlight nonadjacent ranges.

Now once again use the tool «HOME»-«Insert»-«Insert Sheet Columns». The picture shows how to insert a blank row between other rows in Excel.

insert a blank.

It is easy to guess the second way. You need to highlight headings of rows 1 and 3, right-click on one of the highlighted rows and select «Insert» option.

To add a row or a column in Excel use hot keys CTRL+SHIFT+PLUS having highlighted the appropriate row or column.

Note. New rows are always added above the highlighted rows.

Deleting rows and columns

When working with Excel you need to delete rows and columns as often as to insert them. Therefore, you have to practice.

By way of illustration, let’s delete from our pricelist the numbering of goods line items and the unit column simultaneously.

Highlight the nonadjacent range of cells A1; D1 and select «HOME»-«Delete»-«Delete Sheet Rows». The shortcut menu can also be used for deleting if you highlight headings A1 and D1 instead of cells.

deleting.

Row deleting is performed in the similar way. You only need to select a tool in the appropriate menu. Applying a shortcut menu is the same. You only have to highlight the rows correspondingly by row numbers.

To delete a row or a column in Excel, use hot keys CTRL+MINUS having preliminary highlighted them.

Note. Inserting new columns and rows is in fact substitution, as the number of rows (1 048 576) and columns (16 384) doesn’t change. The new just replace the old ones. You should consider this fact when filling in the sheet with data by more than 50% — 80%.

What to Know

  • Add/delete row: Shift + Spacebar > Ctrl + Shift and the plus or minus key, or Insert or Delete from the context menu.
  • Add/delete column: Press Ctrl + Spacebar > Ctrl + Shift and the plus or minus key, or Insert or Delete from the context menu.

These instructions cover how to add and delete rows and columns using a keyboard shortcut and the right-click context menu in Excel 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, Excel Online, and Excel for Mac.

Lifewire / Lisa Fasol

Add Rows to an Excel Worksheet

When columns and rows containing data are deleted, the data is deleted as well. These losses also affect formulas and charts that reference the data in the deleted columns and rows.

If you accidentally delete columns or rows containing data, use the undo feature on the ribbon to get your data back.

Add Rows Using Shortcut Keys

The keyboard key combination used to add rows to a worksheet is:

Ctrl + Shift + " + " (plus sign)

If you have a keyboard with a Number Pad to the right of the regular keyboard, use the + sign there without the Shift key. The key combination is: Ctrl + «+» (plus sign)

Before adding a row, tell Excel where you want the new one to be inserted by selecting its neighbor. This can also be done using a keyboard shortcut:

Shift + Spacebar

Excel inserts the new row above the row selected.

To Add a Single Row Using a Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Select a cell in the row where you want the new row added.
  2. Press and hold the Shift key on the keyboard
  3. Press the Spacebar without releasing the Shift key.
  4. The entire row is highlighted.
  5. Press and hold the Ctrl and Shift keys on the keyboard.
  6. Press the » + » key without releasing the Ctrl and Shift keys.
  7. A new row is added above the selected row.

To Add Multiple Adjacent Rows Using a Keyboard Shortcut

Tell Excel how many new adjacent rows you want to add to the worksheet by selecting the same number of existing rows. If you want to insert two new rows, select two existing rows where you want the new ones to be located. If you want three new rows, select three existing rows.

To Add Three New Rows to a Worksheet

  1. Select a cell in the row where you want the new rows added.
  2. Press and hold the Shift key.
  3. Press the Spacebar without releasing the Shift key.
  4. The entire row is highlighted.
  5. Continue to hold the Shift key.
  6. Press the Up arrow key twice to select two additional rows.
  7. Press and hold the Ctrl and Shift keys.
  8. Press the « + » key without releasing the Ctrl and Shift keys.
  9. Three new rows are added above the selected rows.

Add Rows Using the Context Menu

The option in the context menu (also referred to as the right-click menu) that adds rows to a worksheet is Insert.

As with the keyboard method above, before adding a row, tell Excel where you want the new one to be inserted by selecting its neighbor.

The easiest way to add rows using the context menu is to select the entire row by selecting the row header.

To Add a Single Row to a Worksheet

  1. Select the row header of a row where you want the new row added. The entire row is highlighted.
  2. Right-click on the selected row to open the context menu.
  3. Choose Insert from the menu.
  4. A new row is added above the selected row.

To Add Multiple Adjacent Rows

Tell Excel how many new rows you want to add to the worksheet by selecting the same number of existing rows.

To Add Three New Rows to a Worksheet

  1. In the row header, drag with the mouse pointer to highlight three rows where you want the new rows added.
  2. Right-click on the selected rows.
  3. Choose Insert from the menu.
  4. Three new rows are added above the selected rows.

How To Insert Multiple Rows in Excel

Delete Rows in an Excel Worksheet

The keyboard key combination to delete rows from a worksheet is:

Ctrl + " - " (minus sign)

The easiest way to delete a row is to select the entire row to be deleted. This can also be done using a keyboard shortcut:

Shift + Spacebar

To Delete a Single Row using a Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Select a cell in the row to be deleted.
  2. Press and hold the Shift key.
  3. Press the Spacebar without releasing the Shift key.
  4. The entire row is highlighted.
  5. Release the Shift key.
  6. Press and hold the Ctrl key.
  7. Press the » » key without releasing the Ctrl key.
  8. The selected row is deleted.

To Delete Adjacent Rows using a Keyboard Shortcut

Selecting adjacent rows in a worksheet allows you to delete them all at once. Selecting adjacent rows can be done using the arrow keys on the keyboard after the first row is selected.

To Delete Three Rows from a Worksheet

  1. Select a cell in a row at the bottom end of the group of rows to be deleted.
  2. Press and hold the Shift key.
  3. Press the Spacebar without releasing the Shift key.
  4. The entire row is highlighted.
  5. Continue to hold the Shift key.
  6. Press the Up arrow key twice to select two additional rows.
  7. Release the Shift key.
  8. Press and hold the Ctrl key.
  9. Press the » » key without releasing the Ctrl key.
  10. The three selected rows are deleted.

Delete Rows Using the Context Menu

The option in the context menu (or right-click menu) that is used to delete rows from a worksheet is Delete.

The easiest way to delete rows using the context menu is to highlight the entire row by selecting the row header.

To Delete a Single Row to a Worksheet

  1. Select the row header of the row to be deleted.
  2. Right-click on the selected row to open the context menu.
  3. Choose Delete from the menu.
  4. The selected row is deleted.

To Delete Multiple Adjacent Rows

Again, multiple adjacent rows can be deleted at the same time if they are all selected

To Delete Three Rows from a Worksheet

In the row header, drag with the mouse pointer to highlight three adjacent rows.

  1. Right-click on the selected rows.
  2. Choose Delete from the menu.
  3. The three selected rows are deleted.

To Delete Separate Rows

Separate, or non-adjacent, rows can be deleted at the same time by first selecting them with the Ctrl key and mouse.

To Select Separate Rows

  1. Select the row header of the first row to be deleted.
  2. Press and hold the Ctrl key.
  3. Select additional rows in the row header to highlight them.
  4. Right-click on the selected rows.
  5. Choose Delete from the menu.
  6. The selected rows are deleted.

How to Remove Blank Rows in Excel

Add Columns to an Excel Worksheet

The keyboard key combination to add columns to a worksheet is the same as for adding rows:

Ctrl + Shift + " + " (plus sign)

If you have a keyboard with a Number Pad to the right of the regular keyboard, use the + sign there without the Shift key. The key combination becomes Ctrl++.

Before adding a column, tell Excel where you want the new one to be inserted by selecting its neighbor. This can also be done using a keyboard shortcut:

Ctrl + Spacebar

Excel inserts the new column to the left of the column selected.

To Add a Single Column using a Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Select a cell in the column where you want the new column added.
  2. Press and hold the Ctrl key.
  3. Press the Spacebar without releasing the Ctrl key.
  4. The entire column is highlighted.
  5. Press and hold the Ctrl and Shift keys.
  6. Press and release the » + » without releasing the Ctrl and Shift keys.
  7. A new column is added to the left of the selected column.

To Add Multiple Adjacent Columns using a Keyboard Shortcut

Tell Excel how many new adjacent columns you want to add to the worksheet by selecting the same number of existing columns.

If you want to insert two new columns, select two existing columns where you want the new ones to be located. If you want three new columns, select three existing columns.

To Add Three New Columns to a Worksheet

  1. Select a cell in the column where you want the new columns added.
  2. Press and hold the Ctrl key.
  3. Press the Spacebar without releasing the Ctrl key.
  4. The entire column is highlighted.
  5. Release the Ctrl key.
  6. Press and hold the Shift key.
  7. Press the Right arrow key twice to select two additional columns.
  8. Press and hold the Ctrl and Shift keys on the keyboard.
  9. Press the » + » without releasing the Ctrl and Shift keys.
  10. Three new columns are added to the left the selected columns.

Add Columns Using the Context Menu

The option in the context menu that is used to add columns to a worksheet is Insert.

Before adding a column, tell Excel where you want the new one to be inserted by selecting its neighbor.

The easiest way to add columns using the context menu is to highlight the entire column by selecting the column header.

To Add a Single Column to a Worksheet

  1. Select the column header of a column where you want the new column added. The entire column is highlighted.
  2. Right-click on the selected column to open the context menu.
  3. Choose Insert from the menu.
  4. A new column is added to the left of the selected column.

To Add Multiple Adjacent Columns

Again as with rows, tell Excel how many new columns you want to add to the worksheet by selecting the same number of existing columns.

To Add Three New Columns to a Worksheet

  1. In the column header, drag with the mouse pointer to highlight three columns where you want the new columns added.
  2. Right-click on the selected columns.
  3. Choose Insert from the menu.
  4. Three new columns are added to the left of the selected columns.

Delete Columns from an Excel Worksheet

The keyboard key combination used to delete columns from a worksheet is:

Ctrl + " - " (minus sign)

It’s important to note that deleting a column is just that — while there is the option of hiding columns, which is the not-so-permanent way of getting rid of your columns.

The easiest way to delete a column is to select the entire column to be deleted. This can also be done using a keyboard shortcut:

Ctrl + Spacebar

To Delete a Single Column using a Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Select a cell in the column to be deleted.
  2. Press and hold the Ctrl key.
  3. Press the Spacebar without releasing the Shift key.
  4. The entire column is highlighted.
  5. Continue to hold the Ctrl key.
  6. Press and release the » » key without releasing the Ctrl key.
  7. The selected column is deleted.

To Delete Adjacent Columns using a Keyboard Shortcut

Selecting adjacent columns in a worksheet allows you to delete them all at once. Selecting adjacent columns can be done using the arrow keys on the keyboard after the first column is selected.

To Delete Three Columns from a Worksheet

  1. Select a cell in a column at the bottom end of the group of columns to be deleted.
  2. Press and hold the Shift key.
  3. Press the Spacebar without releasing the Shift key.
  4. The entire column is highlighted.
  5. Continue to hold the Shift key.
  6. Press the Up arrow keyboard twice to select two additional columns.
  7. Release the Shift key.
  8. Press and hold the Ctrl key.
  9. Press and release the » » key without releasing the Ctrl key.
  10. The three selected columns are deleted.

Delete Columns Using the Context Menu

The option in the context menu that is used to delete columns from a worksheet is Delete.

The easiest way to delete columns using the context menu is to highlight the entire column by selecting the column header.

To Delete a Single Column to a Worksheet

  1. Select the column header of the column to be deleted.
  2. Right-click on the selected column to open the context menu.
  3. Choose Delete from the menu.
  4. The selected column is deleted.

To Delete Multiple Adjacent Columns

Multiple adjacent columns can be deleted at the same time if they are all selected.

To Delete Three Columns from a Worksheet

  1. In the column header, drag with the mouse pointer to highlight three adjacent columns.
  2. Right-click on the selected columns.
  3. Choose Delete from the menu.
  4. The three selected columns are deleted.

To Delete Separate Columns

Separate, or non-adjacent, columns can be deleted at the same time by first selecting them with the Ctrl key and mouse.

To Select Separate Columns

  1. Select the column header of the first column to be deleted.
  2. Press and hold the Ctrl key.
  3. Select additional rows in the column header to highlight them.
  4. Right-click on the selected columns.
  5. Choose Delete from the menu.
  6. The selected columns are deleted.

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This tutorial demonstrates how to extend a table by adding a column in Excel.

table insert columns 2

When working with tables in Excel, you can resize them by using Resize Table in the Table Design tab or by simply inserting a column.

Add Column in Table Design

Say you have the data table shown below with columns for SKU, Product, Month, and Sales Amount.

table initial data

If you want to add Price and Total Sales to the table, you’ll need to add two columns to the right.

  1. First, select the table by clicking on any cell in it. Then, in the Ribbon, go to the Table Design tab. In the Properties group, click Resize Table.

table design resize table

  1. In the pop-up screen, change the range for the table and click OK.
    Since you want to add two more columns to the right, expand the range for Columns F and G, and the new range is B2:G16. As you can see, when you enter a new range, the dashed line shows the table size.

table design resize table 2

As a result, the table has two new columns (F and G) named Column1 and Column2.

table insert columns

  1. Finally, rename the columns. To rename Column1, enter Price in cell F2; and to rename Column2, enter Total Sales in G2.

table insert columns 2

Now you’ve resized the table and added the columns Price and Total Sales.

Insert Column

Another way to extend a table is to simply insert a new column.

  1. Right-click the Sales Amount column, then go to Insert, and click on Table Column to the Right.

insert column to the right

As a result, a new column (named Column1) is inserted to the right of the selected column (Sales Amount).

insert column to the right 2

  1. Then add one more column to the right in the same way.
  2. If you rename these two columns Price and Total Sales, you arrive at the same result as with Resize Table.

table insert columns 2

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