How to Select Column in Excel (6 Easy Ways)

Here’s an overview of how you can select a column by giving it a name. Read on to learn more.

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How to Select Column in Excel: 6 Easy Ways

Method 1 – Select an Entire Column (Single) Using a Keyboard Shortcut

Case 1.1 – Select a Column in One Click

• Click on the column header like the following image.

Case 1.2 – Select a Column Using a Keyboard Shortcut

• Select any of the cells in the column where you are working.
• Press Ctrl + Space.

Method 2 – Select Multiple Columns in Excel

Case 2.1 – Select Contiguous Columns Using the Mouse

• Click on the column header of the first column. We need to select Column C, Column D, and Column E. So, we will click on the header of Column C.
• Hold the left mouse button and drag the mouse right up to Column E.

Note: You could do the same thing by selecting Column E first. To do that, you need to move the mouse left to select the left columns.

Case 2.2 – Select Contiguous Columns Using the Keyboard Shortcut

• Select at least one cell from each of the columns that you need to select.

• Press Ctrl + Space.

Case 2.3 – Select Non-Contiguous Columns

• Select any column first by left-clicking on it.
• Press and hold the Ctrl key, then click column headers one by one.

Method 3 – Select a Column Automatically Using a Named Range

• Click on the Formulas tab and then on the Define Name option in the Defined Names group.

• A dialog box named New Name will appear, prompting you to give the name of the selection and the selection as well.
• Insert your column and give it a name.

• In the Name Box, you will find an option Select_Auto.
• Click on the option and you will find that the specific column that you gave in the Refers to: box is selected.

Method 4 – Select a Column in a Table

• Place your cursor on the table header of the desired column. We want to select the Management column, so we put the cursor on cell E4.

• Click on the header and you will select that column.

Note: You will not be able to select the column unless the cursor converts into a downward arrow.

Method 5 – Select a Column in a Pivot Table

In the following image, there’s a pivot table where we will select a certain column.

• We will select the Average of History column. Put the cursor on C4 and click on it.

Note: Select multiple columns by holding Ctrl key and selecting columns one by one.

Method 6 – Use VBA Code to Select the Desired Column

• Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA Editor.
• Under the Insert tab, click on Module.

• Copy the following VBA code.

Sub Select_Columns()
Range("B1, F1").EntireColumn.Select
End Sub

• Paste the code in the editor and save it.

• Go back to the Excel workbook and select the whole data table.
• Press Alt + F8 together to open the macro window.
• Select the Select_Columns macro and hit Run.
• You will get the following output in your worksheet.

How to Select a Row in Excel

• Select any cell in the row.
• Press Shift + Space.

Read More: Select Specific Columns in Excel

Things to Remember

• If you are a Mac user, use the Command key instead of the Ctrl key.
• Selecting rows in Excel is very similar to the process of selecting columns. Just replace the Ctrl key with the Shift key.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I select specific text in Excel?

You can use the Find & Select option in the Editing group of the Home tab.

How do I select data in Excel?

You can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+A to select all data in Excel.

How can I select multiple rows using Name Box?

The format to select multiple rows using Name Box is: X:Y; where X and Y represent the serial number of the column. For example, if you write 4:6 in the Name Box, all the cells in the range Row 4 to Row 6 will be selected.

How to Select Column in Excel: Knowledge Hub

• Select Every Other Column in Excel

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