How to Move Columns in Excel

Knowing how to shift columns in Excel is essential for organizing a budget, creating reports, or analyzing data.

Shivangi Vatsal

0 min read

0 min read

Table of content:

How to Shift Columns in Excel
Method 1. Drag and Drop to Move Columns
Method 2. Cut and Paste to Move Columns in Excel
Method 3. Using the Home Tab to Move Columns
Method 4. Move Columns with Excel Shortcuts
Method 5. Reorder Columns with the VBA Macro
Method 6. Using Paste Options to Transpose Columns to Rows
FAQs

Did you know that over 90% of Excel users don't know how to move columns efficiently? Moving columns in Excel can help you organize data more efficiently, especially when you need to reorder information within a spreadsheet. This article will cover multiple methods for moving columns in Excel, including shortcuts and useful tips for various scenarios.

How to Shift Columns in Excel

Moving columns in Excel can help you organize data more efficiently, especially when you need to reorder information within a spreadsheet. This guide will cover multiple methods for moving columns in Excel, including shortcuts and useful tips for various scenarios.

Method 1. Drag and Drop to Move Columns

The simplest way to move a column in Excel is by using the drag and drop method. Here’s how:

Select the Entire Column: Click on the column header (like “A” or “B”) to select the column you want to move.
Hold Shift Key: Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard.
Drag the Column: Move your cursor to the column border until you see a four-sided arrow, then drag the column to your preferred position.
Drop the Column: Release the mouse button, and the column will shift to its new location.

Tip: This method keeps the cell formats, values, and relative cell references intact, ensuring your data moves without any formatting issues.

Method 2. Cut and Paste to Move Columns in Excel

The cut and paste method is effective for moving columns across worksheets:

Select the Column: Click on the column header to highlight it.
Right-Click and Cut: Right-click on the selected column and choose Cut (or press Ctrl + X).
Choose Destination Column: Right-click on the header of the column where you want to place the cut data.
Paste the Column: Select Insert Cut Cells to move the data without overwriting existing cells.

Note: When you cut and paste columns, Excel retains formulas, values, and cell contents, which can be helpful for larger datasets.

Method 3. Using the Home Tab to Move Columns

For users who prefer using the Excel Ribbon:

Highlight the Column: Click on the column you wish to move.
Go to the Home Tab: Select the Cut option in the Clipboard group.
Paste: Navigate to the new location, right-click on the column header, and choose Insert Cut Cells.

This method is perfect if you want to keep everything in datasheet view without adjusting individual rows or columns.

Method 4. Move Columns with Excel Shortcuts

Excel shortcuts can simplify the column-moving process. To move columns quickly:

Select the Column to Move: Click the header to select it.
Press Ctrl + X: This cuts the data to the clipboard.
Select the New Location: Click on the header where you want to move the column.
Press Ctrl + Shift + =: This will insert the cut column without overwriting other data.

Shortcuts are especially useful for Excel Mac users who work without a mouse.

Method 5. Reorder Columns with the VBA Macro

For more complex column movements, VBA macros allow you to automate the process:

Sub MoveColumn() Columns("A:A").Cut Columns("D:D").Insert Shift:=xlToRight End Sub

This macro moves the content from column A to column D. To run this VBA code:

Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.
Enter the macro code, then press F5 to execute it.

Macros can save time when moving columns across multiple worksheets.

Method 6. Using Paste Options to Transpose Columns to Rows

If you need to move a column and convert it into a row, Excel’s Transpose option can help:

Copy the Column: Select and copy the column you want to transpose.
Choose Destination Row: Right-click on the starting cell of the new row.
Select Paste Transpose: From the Paste options, choose Transpose to flip the column into a row format.

FAQs

1. How do I move rows and columns in an active worksheet?

To move rows or columns within an active worksheet, select the rows or columns, right-click, and choose Cut. Then, go to the destination cell and use Paste Commands or Insert Cut Cells. This method keeps the data in the same Excel window and minimizes disruption to formulas.

2. Is manual copying needed to move columns in Excel?

Not usually! Instead of manual copying, you can use Excel’s drag-and-drop feature or the cut and paste functions to quickly move columns without duplicating data.

3. Can I use several paste options when moving data?

Yes, Excel offers several paste options. Right-click the Paste Options button after pasting to select from values, formulas, formatting, or transposed data, allowing you to retain specific aspects of your original content.

4. What is the process to reorder columns in an Excel table?

In an Excel table, select the column you want to move, then use Cut and Paste commands to reorder columns efficiently. Alternatively, use the drag-and-drop method with the Shift Data Column technique to keep data alignment intact.

5. How can I copy cells in Excel without changing references?

To copy cells without adjusting references, use Paste Options to paste only values or formats. If you are copying a data column, this is particularly useful to maintain integrity within formulas.

6. Is there a quick way to reorder columns in Excel?

Yes, Excel reorder columns functionality can be achieved through cut-and-paste or drag-and-drop actions. For complex data structures, consider using Excel options under Format Cells to handle specific format needs.

7. How do I select and move cells to a different worksheet?

Select the cell data you want, then right-click, choose Cut or Copy, and navigate to the desired worksheet tab. In the destination cell, paste the data to complete the move.

8. What are some Excel tips for moving rows or columns?

Here are useful Excel tips: Hold Shift while dragging columns to avoid overwriting data, use default Excel moves for quick actions, and apply the Fill Handle to copy serial data. These small steps improve efficiency and accuracy.

9. Can I move a copy data column to another worksheet?

Yes, copy a data column by selecting it, choosing Copy, and then pasting it into the destination cell on a different worksheet. This preserves the data structure and aligns with the Excel tables feature.

10. Are there shortcuts for Excel moves across rows and columns?

Yes, use the Copy Pointer and Paste Area tools. Selecting a column header with Ctrl + X and pasting with Ctrl + V helps reposition columns or rows without disrupting other cells. The drag-and-drop method is also effective for Excel reorder column operations.

Here are 5 handpicked reads for you:

Edited by

Shivangi Vatsal

Sr. Associate Content Strategist @Unstop

I am a storyteller by nature. At Unstop, I tell stories ripe with promise and inspiration, and in life, I voice out the stories of our four-legged furry friends. Providing a prospect of a good life filled with equal opportunities to students and our pawsome buddies helps me sleep better at night. And for those rainy evenings, I turn to my colors.