Excel column into row

If you have a worksheet with data in columns that you need to rotate to rearrange it in rows, use the Transpose feature. With it, you can quickly switch data from columns to rows, or vice versa.

For example, if your data looks like this, with Sales Regions in the column headings and and Quarters along the left side:

The Transpose feature will rearrange the table such that the Quarters are showing in the column headings and the Sales Regions can be seen on the left, like this:

Note: If your data is in an Excel table, the Transpose feature won’t be available. You can convert the table to a range first, or you can use the TRANSPOSE function to rotate the rows and columns.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Select the range of data you want to rearrange, including any row or column labels, and press Ctrl+C.

   Note: Ensure that you copy the data to do this, since using the Cut command or Ctrl+X won’t work.

2. Choose a new location in the worksheet where you want to paste the transposed table, ensuring that there is plenty of room to paste your data. The new table that you paste there will entirely overwrite any data / formatting that’s already there.

   Right-click over the top-left cell of where you want to paste the transposed table, then choose Transpose .

   

3. After rotating the data successfully, you can delete the original table and the data in the new table will remain intact.

You can paste data as transposed data within your workbook. Transpose reorients the content of copied cells when pasting. Data in rows is pasted into columns and vice versa.

Here’s how you can transpose cell content:

1. Copy the cell range.

2. Select the empty cells where you want to paste the transposed data.

3. On the Home tab, click the Paste icon, and select Paste Transpose.

We all look at data differently. For example, some people create Microsoft Excel spreadsheets with the main fields horizontal. Others prefer data flipped vertically in columns. Sometimes these preferences lead to a scenario where you want to switch data. In this tutorial, I’ll show how to switch rows and columns using the Transpose feature.

The Layout Problem

I was recently given a large Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that contained vendor evaluation information. The information was useful, but I couldn’t use tools like Auto Filter because of the way the data was organized. I would also have issues if I needed to import the original source table into a database. A simple example is shown below.

Instead, I want to have the Company names displayed vertically in Column A and the Data Attributes displayed horizontally in Row 1. This would make it easier for me to do the analysis. For example, I can’t easily filter for California vendors with the original table.

What is Excel’s Transpose Function

In simple terms, the transpose feature changes your columns’ orientation (vertical range) and rows (horizontal range). My original data rows would become columns, and my columns would become rows. So this fixes my layout problem above without me having to retype my original data. And the system would adjust for column labels.

The transpose function is pretty versatile. For example, you can use the feature in Excel formulas or with paste options. However, there are some differences based on which method you use.

Convert Columns to Rows Using Paste Special

The steps outlined below were done using Microsoft Office 365, but recent Microsoft Excel versions will work.

1. Open the spreadsheet you need to change. You may also download the example sheet at the end of this tutorial.
2. Click the first cell in your cell range such as A1.
3. Shift-click the last cell of the range. Your data set should highlight.
4. From the Home tab, select Copy or type Ctrl + c.

1. Select the new cell where you would like to copy your transposed data.
2. Right-click in that cell and select the Transpose icon from the Paste Options.

✪ As you hover over the Paste options, you can see the data layout change.

You should now see Excel switched the columns and rows. You can resize your columns to suit your needs.

These two data sets are independent. You can delete cells from the top set and it will not impact the transposed set.

When using this method, your original formatting is maintained. For example, if I added a yellow background to my original cells B1:G1, the same background color would be applied. The same is true if I used red text on cell E:5.

Use Transpose Function in a Formula

As I mentioned, Excel has multiple ways for you to switch columns to rows or vice versa. This second way utilizes a formula and array. The result is the same except your original data, and the new transposed data are linked. As a result, you may lose some of your original formatting. For example, colored text and styles came across, but not cell fill colors.

1. Open your Excel sheet.
2. Click a blank cell where you want your converted data. I’m using A7.
3. Type =transpose.

✪ Notice how Excel provides a tooltip showing for Transpose – “Converts a vertical range of cells to a horizontal range and vice versa“.

1. Finish the formula by adding a ( and highlighting the cell range we wish to swap.
2. Type ) to close the range.

1. Press Enter.

✪ If you’re not using Microsoft 365, you’ll probably need to press CTRL + SHIFT + Enter

Differences in Transpose Options

While these two methods produce similar results, there are differences. In the first paste method, whatever action I take on a cell is independent of the transposed version. I could delete the original values, and nothing would happen to the columns I swapped.

In contrast, the Transpose formula version is tethered to the original data. So, for example, if I change the value in B2 from 1200 to 1500, the new value will automatically update in B8. However, the reverse isn’t true. If I change any transposed cells, the original set will not change. Instead, I will get a #SPILL error, and my transposed data will disappear.

Transpose Formula & Blank Cells

Another difference with using the Transpose formula is it will convert blank cells to “0”s.

The fix for this quirk is to use an IF statement to the formula that keeps the blanks cells as blanks.

=TRANSPOSE(IF(A1:G5="","",A1:G5))

Alternatively, you could do a search and replace on the zeros.

Now that we’ve shown you how to transpose data in Excel, try playing around with the practice worksheet below. You’ll be swapping your rows and columns in Excel in no time. And while you likely work with multiple rows, you can convert one Excel column to row.

Show Me How Video

Click the image below to see a short video showing how to switch columns and rows without a formula.

Tutorial Resources

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• How to Highlight Cells in Excel with Conditional Formatting

Microsoft Excel is nothing but using data in columns and rows. When you are preparing data inExcel, sometime it is necessary to convert data in a column to a row and vice versa. This article explains step by step instructions on how to convert a column of an Excel sheet into a row. This is useful especially when you have data in table format and struggling to convert the columns of the table to rows along with the complete data. If you are frustrated with slow Excel, learn more on how to fix slow Excel and speed up data processing.

Example Data in a Table

Assume you have data in a table in an excel sheet as shown in the picture beside. Now you want to convert the complete table from columns to rows format. Copying and pasting each cell is a time consuming and error prone process.

Using Transpose Function

Microsoft Excel offers a simple functionality called “Transpose” to do such a difficult task in a few clicks. Follow the below steps to understand the transpose functions.

• Select the complete table data and copy to clipboard using Ctl+C shortcut.
• Right click on the cell where you want to paste it.
• Click on the option “Paste Special” from the context menu as shown in the picture below.

• A new popup window will open as shown below.
• Click on the checkbox “Transpose” and then click on “OK” button.

Now all your table data is transposed from rows to column format. This can be used for a single row or column to a big table of data spread into multiple columns and rows.

Directly Using Paste Special

When you right click on a cell, you also can click on the “Arrow” mark next to “Past Special” to see complete paste options including “Transpose” function as shown in the below picture.

Using Paste Options Control

Whenever you paste content in a cell you shall notice a small button appearing as “Paste Options (Ctrl)”. Once you used “Transpose” function, it will appear automatically in the paste options as a frequently used option. Hence from next time onwards, just copy the table and paste it in a cell where you want and click on the “Paste Options (Ctrl)” to use “Transpose” option.

Microsoft Excel for Mac

Similar to Windows version, you can use transpose function in Microsoft Excel for Mac also. After copying the content, simply right click on the cell where you want to paste and choose “Transpose” option. This will paste the content by converting rows into columns.

Alternatively, you can choose “Paste Special…” to open the dialog box. Here, you can check the “Transpose” option and click “OK” to paste the transposed data.

You can also press “Control + Command + V” keyboard shortcuts to open paste special dialog box.

Here’s how:

1. Select the range of data you want to rearrange, including any row or column labels, and either select Copy.
2. Select the first cell where you want to paste the data, and on the Home tab, click the arrow next to Paste, and then click Transpose.

How do I convert multiple columns to rows in Excel?

Highlight all of the columns that you want to unpivot into rows, then click on Unpivot Columns just above your data. Once you’ve clicked on Unpivot Columns, Excel will transform your columnar data into rows. Each row is a record of its own, ready to throw into a Pivot Table or work with in your datasheet.

How do I move one column to a row in Excel?

To move columns in Excel, use the shift key or use Insert Cut Cells.
Shift Key

1. First, select a column.
2. Hover over the border of the selection.
3. Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard.
4. Click and hold the left mouse button.
5. Move the column to the new position.
6. Release the left mouse button.
7. Release the shift key.

How to Move Columns in Excel

1. In the worksheet where you want to rearrange columns, place your cursor over the top of the column you want to move.
2. Next, press and hold the Shift key on the keyboard and then click and hold on the right or left border of the column you want to move and drag it to the right or left.

How do I convert multiple columns to one row?

Select and name the multiple column data table you want to convert to a single column. Use your cursor to highlight the data table and right-click on the highlighted table. Navigate to the “Name a Range” selection toward the bottom of the menu and click on it.

How do you transpose convert columns and rows into a single row?

After free installing Kutools for Excel, please do as below:

1. Select the cross table you want to convert to list, click Kutools > Range > Transpose Table Dimensions.
2. In Transpose Table Dimension dialog, check Cross table to list option on Transpose type section, select a cell to place the new format table.

How do I transpose multiple columns into multiple rows?

Select the new cell where you would like to copy your transposed data. Right-click in that cell and select the Transpose icon under Paste.
Convert Columns & Rows Using Paste & Transpose

1. Open the spreadsheet you need to change.
2. Click the first cell of your data range such as A1.
3. Shift-click the last cell of the range.

How do you turn a column into a row in sheets?

Here’s how you can use it to turn rows into columns in Google Spreadsheets.

1. Double-click on the field where you want to start your new table.
2. Type “=” and add “TRANSPOSE”.
3. After that, Google Spreadsheets will show you how this function should be used and how it should look like.

How do I move a row in Excel?

Move Rows in Excel

1. Select the row that you want to move.
2. Hold the Shift Key from your keyboard.
3. Move your cursor to the edge of the selection.
4. Click on the edge (with left mouse button) while still holding the shift key.
5. Move it to the row where you want this row to be shifted.

How do I convert columns to rows in Excel on a Mac?

To change columns into rows quickly, follow these steps:

1. Select a cell range and choose Edit→Copy.
2. Select a destination cell.
3. Choose Edit→Paste Special.
4. Select the Transpose check box and then click OK.

Can I move a column in Excel?

Press and hold the Shift key, and then drag the column to a new location. You will see a faint “I” bar along the entire length of the column and a box indicating where the new column will be moved. That’s it! Release the mouse button, then leave the Shift key and find the column moved to a new position.

How do you move a row in Excel without replacing?

1. Click on the specified column heading or row number to select the entire column or row you need to move. 2. Move the cursor to the edge of selected column or row until it changes to a 4-sided arrow cursor , press and hold the Shift key then drag the selected column or row to a new location.

How do you switch axis on Excel?

How to switch axes in excel

1. Click on the chart and choose the Design tab,
2. Go to Data >> Switch Row / Column.
3. Now, the X-axis switched with the Y-axis without the need for transposing data.

How do I move columns in sheets?

To move a row or column:

1. Select the column you want to move, then hover the mouse over the column heading. The cursor will become a hand icon.
2. Click and drag the column to its desired position. An outline of the column will appear.
3. Release the mouse when you are satisfied with the new location.

How do I organize columns in Excel?

Sorting levels

1. Select a cell in the column you want to sort by.
2. Click the Data tab, then select the Sort command.
3. The Sort dialog box will appear.
4. Click Add Level to add another column to sort by.
5. Select the next column you want to sort by, then click OK.
6. The worksheet will be sorted according to the selected order.

How do you transpose multiple columns and rows into a single column?

How to use the macro to convert row to column

1. Open the target worksheet, press Alt + F8, select the TransposeColumnsRows macro, and click Run.
2. Select the range that you want to transpose and click OK:
3. Select the upper left cell of the destination range and click OK:

How do I transpose a repeating group in Excel?

In Excel, to transpose some groups of rows to columns, you need to create a unique list, and then extract all matched values of each group. In the formula, A1:A9 is the group names you want to transpose values by, and C1 is the cell you enter Unique List in above step, you can change these references as you need.

How do I change all 4 rows to columns in Excel?

How do I transpose every N rows from one column to multiple columns in Excel. You need to type this formula into cell C1, and press Enter key on your keyboard, and then drag the AutoFill Handle to CEll D1. Then you need to drag the AutoFill Handle in cell D1 down to other cells until value 0 is displayed in cells.

What does transpose mean in Excel?

The TRANSPOSE function returns a vertical range of cells as a horizontal range, or vice versa.Use TRANSPOSE to shift the vertical and horizontal orientation of an array or range on a worksheet.

How do I paste vertical data horizontally in sheets?

To accomplish that maneuver, follow these steps:

1. Select the vertical data.
2. Type Ctrl C to copy.
3. Click in the first cell of the horizontal range.
4. Type Alt E, then type S to open the Paste Special dialog.
5. Choose the Transpose checkbox as shown in Figure 1.
6. Click OK.

How do I paste vertical data horizontally in Excel?

How to Reconfigure a Horizontal Row to a Vertical Column in Excel

1. Select all the rows or columns that you want to transpose.
2. Click on a cell in an unused area of your worksheet.
3. Click on the arrow below the “Paste” item and select “Transpose.” Excel pastes in your copied rows as columns or your copied columns as rows.

As you know that people look at Excel data in their own way. Having data in rows might be sometimes needed to flip into columns or vice versa. Converting column data into rows and rows’ data into columns merely requires you to follow simple steps. For instance, if an Excel spreadsheet has data in horizontal cells, it might be possible that your boss prefers that data to be flipped vertically.

In this case, you will have to transpose Excel data to accommodate your preference. In Excel, you can use multiple methods for Excel flip rows and columns.

Before diving into the explanation of methods, let’s have a look at what is Transpose function used in Excel.

What is Transpose Function in Excel?

Using the transpose function let your data change its orientation such as the vertical range of your columns’ orientation and the horizontal range of your rows’ orientation. The transpose function is purely handy as well as versatile. For instance, this function could be used in Excel formulas or with paste options. Well, below you will find some differences that let you decide which method you should use.

Two major methods are described here for Excel flip rows and columns.

1. Excel Ribbon Method
2. Mouse Method  

Let’s grab details with examples!           

Excel Flip Rows and Columns with Copy and Paste

Below in this image, you can see the sales data location-wise.

This data is presented in horizontal order, whereas we need this data to be in the vertical orientation. Changed orientation will help us in comparison. Here are the easy to follow steps for converting columns to rows:

1. Go to the Home tab after selecting the entire data.
2. Under the Clipboard menu, choose the Copy option. Or else you may press CTRL + C for copying the data.

1. Now, click on any blank cell from where you need the data to be.

1. Hit the Paste option given under the Clipboard menu. See the image below.

A Paste dialogue box will open up. Now, select the option “Transpose.”

Doing this will flip the column to rows and make the orientation as we needed. Below is the final look of the converted datasheet.

Now, you can apply filters and see the data differently.  

Excel Flip Rows and Columns with Mouse

Following these steps not only flip rows into columns, but you can even flip columns into rows as well. Let’s get into the final process.

Below in this image, you can see subject wise data of some students.

The above data is presented in columns and we will convert it into rows.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Select the entire data and right-click on it. You will see some options and choose Copy from the list.

1. Now, click on an empty cell where you need to put that copied data.
2. Once again, right-click and choose Paste Special option.

1. A paste special dialogue box will appear once again. Choose the Transpose option and click on the OK button.

1. Now, you can see the changed orientation of this data from columns to rows. Below you can see the final look in the image.

Moving your cursor on Paste Special option, you will see a list of options as you can see in the image below:

Flipping Multiple Rows and Columns in Excel Right from another Workbook

You have gone through two different methods to convert rows into columns or vice versa. The above method is perfect in case you need to flip rows into columns from another workbook with the help of an Excel desktop. To do this, you will have to keep both spreadsheets open for completing the copy and pasting work as explained earlier.

On the other hand, Excel Online does not work for different workbooks. Here you will not find the Paste Transpose option.

That’s why it is ideal to opt for the Transpose function for converting columns into rows and rows into columns.

Excel Flip Rows and Columns using VBA Macro

Using VBA can help you in executing multiple functions specifically when you need some customized functioning. If you are good at coding, VBA is for you. You can make all sorts of changes with just a few codes.

For instance, below you can see a coding script that lets you enjoy flipping rows into columns or vice versa:

 Sub TransposeColumnsRows()

    Dim SourceRange As Range

    Dim DestRange As Range

    Set SourceRange = Application.InputBox(Prompt:=”Please select the range to transpose”, Title:=”Transpose Rows to Columns”, Type:=8)

    Set DestRange = Application.InputBox(Prompt:=”Select the upper left cell of the destination range”, Title:=”Transpose Rows to Columns”, Type:=8)

    SourceRange.Copy

    DestRange.Select

    Selection.PasteSpecial Paste:=xlPasteAll, Operation:=xlNone, SkipBlanks:=False, Transpose:=True

    Application.CutCopyMode = False

End Sub

Sub RowsToColumns()

    Dim SourceRange As Range

    Dim DestRange As Range

    Set SourceRange = Application.InputBox(Prompt:=”Select the array to rotate”, Title:=”Convert Rows to Columns”, Type:=8)

    Set DestRange = Application.InputBox(Prompt:=”Select the cell to insert the rotated columns”, Title:=”Convert Rows to Columns”, Type:=8)

    SourceRange.Copy

    DestRange.Select

    Selection.PasteSpecial Paste:=xlPasteAll, Operation:=xlNone, SkipBlanks:=False, Transpose:=True

    Application.CutCopyMode = False

End Sub

• Once this code is used, you have to go to the Visual Basic Editor (VBE). Use your mouse and go to the Developer tab => Visual Basic or else use the keyboard and press ALT + F11.

• Go to Insert => Module, in VBE.

• Copy and paste the script into the window.

• Shut down the VBE and go to Developer => Macros. You will find RowsToColumns macro.
• Click on the Run option.

• Choose the array to rotate and the cell to add the rotated columns.

All done!

Things to Consider When Converting Columns to Rows in Excel

You know one usage of Paste Special option mentioned above. In reality, you can use it for other purposes as well including Add, Multiply, Subtract, and Divide between datasets.

When you are selecting the cells, you may find #VALUE error, for instance, if the transposed data don’t have equal number of rows and columns to the number of rows and columns of the source data.