How to Move Columns in Excel?

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Method 1 – Moving Columns with Mouse Cursor

  • Select all the cells of the column that you want to move.
  • Place the cursor on the edge of the selected area and press the Shift key.
  • Drag the selected column by pressing the left-click on the mouse and place it at your desired location.

Selecting Column and Dragging

  • Release the left-click and Shift button and you will have your selected column moved to the desired location.

Output of Dragging to Move Column


Method 2 – Use of Cut and Paste to Move Columns

  • Select all the cells of a column and click on Cut after right-clicking on the mouse.

Select and Cut to Move Column

  • Select a cell and right-click on the mouse. Pick the Insert Cut Cells option.

Insert the Cut Columns

  • The cut column will be pasted on the left column of the selected cell.

Move Column with Cut and Paste


Method 3 – Moving Columns with Copy and Paste?

  • Select all the cells in a column and right-click on the mouse.
  • Click on Copy.

Select and Copy to Move Column

  • Select a cell and right-click on the mouse.
  • Click on the Insert Copied Cells…

Insert the Copied Columns

  • Select the Shift cells right option and click OK to have the copied column on the right side of the selected cell.

Defining the Position

  • Delete the data from the previous location and the copied column will be moved.

Move Column with Copy and Paste


How to Swap Multiple Columns in Excel?

  • Select all the cells of multiple columns and place the cursor on the edge of the selected area by pressing the Shift key.
  • Drag the selected columns by pressing the left-click on the mouse and placing them at your desired location.

Selecting Columns and Dragging

  • Release the left-click and Shift button and you will have your selected columns moved to the desired location.

Swapping Columns

Read More: Move Columns in Table


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I undo a column move in Excel?

Yes, press Ctrl + Z to undo the column move.

2. Will the hidden columns be moved in Excel?

When selecting multiple columns for moving, if there is any hidden column in the selected area, it will be moved even if the column is hidden.

3. Is it possible to move columns containing merged cells?

No, columns containing merged cells can’t be moved.


Move Columns in Excel: Knowledge Hub


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Naimul Hasan Arif
Naimul Hasan Arif

Naimul Hasan Arif, a BUET graduate in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, has been contributing to the ExcelDemy project for nearly two years. Currently serving as an Excel and VBA Content Developer, Arif has written more than 120 articles and has also provided user support through comments His expertise lies in Microsoft Office Suite, VBA and he thrives on learning new aspects of data analysis. Arif's dedication to the ExcelDemy project is reflected in his consistent contributions and... Read Full Bio

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