How to Group Columns Next to Each Other in Excel (2 Easy Ways)

Method 1 – Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Group Excel Columns Next to Each Other

STEPS:

• Insert a new column between Group – 1 & Group – 2.
• Select the first column of Group – 2.
• In our case, Columns C & D from Group – 1 and Columns E & F from Group – 2.
• We have selected Column E.

• Right-click on Column E.
• It will open the Context Menu.
• Select Insert.

• The dataset will look like the image below.

• Select the first column of Group – 1.
• In our case, that is Column C (in the updated dataset after inserting a new column).

• Press Alt + Shift + Right Arrow.
• A negative (–) sign will appear.
• Select Column D.
• Press Alt + Shift + Right Arrow.

• It will group Columns C & D.

• You can press the negative (–) sign to hide the grouped columns.
• Pressing the negative (–) sign, a plus (+) sign will appear.
• You can unhide the grouped columns using the plus (+) sign.

• Select Column F.

• Press Alt + Shift + Right Arrow.
• Select Column G.
• Press the Alt + Shift + Right Arrow.

• The columns are grouped as shown below.

• Decrease the column width to show the groups next to each other.

Read More: How to Group Rows in Excel with Expand or Collapse

Method 2 – Group Columns Next to Each Other from Data Tab in Excel

STEPS:

• Select Column E and right–click.
• It will open the Context Menu.
• Select Insert.

• Select Cell C6 & D6.
• We have selected these two cells because we want to group Columns C & D.
• You can select any two adjacent cells from the columns.
• For example, if you want to group Columns M, N and O, you can select Cells M1, N1 and O1 together.

• Go to the Data tab and select the Group icon.

• A message will pop up.
• Select Columns and click on OK.

• Columns C & D will be grouped.

• Select Cell F6 & G6 to group Columns F & G.

• Go to the Data tab and select Grouped.

• Decrease the column width of Column E.

How to Ungroup Columns Next to Each Other in Excel

STEPS:

• Select adjacent cells of the grouped columns.
• We have selected Cell C6 and D6.

• Click on the Data tab in the ribbon.
• Select the Ungroup icon.

• A message box will open.
• Select Columns and click OK.
• To ungroup rows, you need to select Rows.

• Columns C & D will be ungrouped.
• You can repeat the same steps to ungroup Columns F & G.

Read More: How to Group and Ungroup Columns or Rows in Excel

Things to Remember

• In Microsoft Excel, you can’t create two separate groups right next to each other. It is a limitation of Excel.
• You need to press the Alt + Shift + Right Arrow every time you want to add a column to the existing group.
• In Method-2, don’t use the Ctrl key to select multiple columns at a time. Instead, use the mouse to select adjacent cells of the desired columns.

Download Practice Book

Related Articles

• How to Group Rows in Excel by Name
• Group Rows with Plus Sign on Top in Excel
• How to Group Rows with Same Value in Excel
• How to Group Rows in Excel
• How to Group Rows by Cell Value in Excel

<< Go Back to Group Cells in Excel | Outline in Excel | Learn Excel