How To Move Columns In Excel? – 3 Easy Ways

Moving columns in Excel can significantly improve how you organize and analyze data. Excel offers easy ways to rearrange columns for better readability or data restructuring. You can simply drag columns to the desired position or use the cut-and-paste method. This guide will walk you through these methods, making your Excel work smoother and maximizing your data organization efforts. Keep reading to learn more.

Ways To Move Columns In Excel?

Excel lets you move columns around easily, and it gives you a few ways to do it. This helps you organize your information just how you like it. You can use the mouse for quick moves, or try some expert tricks for more control. Let’s look at how you can move columns in Excel to fit your needs.

How To Move Columns By Using Mouse?

One of the simplest and most intuitive ways to rearrange columns in Excel is by using the drag-and-drop method. To move a column using this method, follow these steps:

• Click on the column header of the column you want to move.

• Hover your mouse over the selected column’s edge until the cursor turns into a four-sided arrow.
• Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard. By holding Shift, you ensure that the column is cut and inserted into the new position.
• Drag the column to its new position. Darkened borders will show where it will be placed.

• Release the mouse click and the Shift key once the column is in the desired location.

To move multiple adjacent columns at once, follow these steps:

• Click the header of the first column you want to move.
• Hold down the Shift key.
• Click the header of the last column you want to move.
• Drag the selected columns to their new location while holding the Shift key.

Note: This method doesn’t support dragging non-adjacent columns. Columns need to be adjacent to one another for effective movement.

How To Move Columns By Using Cut And Paste?

Another way to move columns in Excel is by using the cut and paste function. Using this method lets you accurately relocate columns in your spreadsheet, making it easier to reorganize your data.

Steps to Move Columns by Cut and Paste:

• Click on the column header to select the entire column.

• Press Ctrl + X to cut the selected column.
• Select the column to the right of where you want to move the cut column.
• Right-click on the selected column and choose “Insert Cut Cells” from the menu.

• The cut column will be inserted to the left of the selected column, moving it to the desired location in the spreadsheet.

Note: This method works well for moving individual columns. However, trying to move multiple columns at once using cut and paste may cause errors.

How To Move Columns By Using Data Sort Feature?

Moving a few columns in Excel is simple, but managing many in a large spreadsheet can be tough. Excel’s Data Sort feature offers an efficient solution for reordering multiple columns. Here’s how to move a column using Data Sort:

• Insert a new row at the top of your spreadsheet and number the columns in the order you want.

• Select all the data you want to rearrange.
• Go to the “Data” tab in Excel and click on “Sort” in the “Sort & Filter” group.

• In the Sort dialog box, click “Options,” choose “Sort left to right,” and click “OK.”

• From the “Sort By” dropdown menu, select “Row 1” and click “OK.”

• Excel will sort your columns based on the numbers in the first row. You can then delete the first row to complete the rearrangement.

Move Columns In Excel – FAQs

Conclusion

Excel’s column reordering isn’t seamless, but alternatives exist. Use drag-and-drop with the Shift key for precise moves, cut and paste for strategic relocation, and Data Sort for comprehensive rearrangement. Mastering these techniques streamlines Excel use, ensuring efficient data management. Follow the outlined steps for optimal spreadsheet organization.