How to Swap Columns in Excel (5 Methods)

Let’s assume we have a dataset with First Names, Last Names, Salaries, and Countries in Columns B, C, E, and D respectively.

Applying the Shift Method to Swap Columns in Excel


Method 1 – Applying the Shift Method to Swap Columns in Excel

Steps:

  • Select cell E3 and hold down the Shift key while pressing the Down arrow button on your keyboard to select cells up to E11.

Apply the Shift Method to Swap Columns in Excel

  • Move the mouse cursor to any border of the selected area. When a four-direction arrow appears, hold the Shift key, click the left mouse button, and drag it to the desired location where a vertical bold line will be displayed.
  • Release the left mouse click and Shift key sequentially to swap columns E and D.

Apply the Shift Method to Swap Columns in Excel


Method 2 – Applying the Cut and Paste Method  to Swap Columns in Excel

Steps:

  • Select column C

Insert the Cut and Paste Method  to Swap Columns in Excel

  • Press Ctrl + X on your keyboard.
  • Select cell E5, Right-click, and choose Insert Cut Cells from the menu that appears.

Insert the Cut and Paste Method to Swap Columns in Excel

  • Once you complete this process, your chosen columns will be swapped as shown below.

Insert the Cut and Paste Method to Swap Columns in Excel


Method 3 – Using the Home Ribbon to Swap Columns in Excel

Steps:

  • Select column E

Using the Home Command Method to Swap Columns in Excel

  • Go to the Home tab, navigate to the Clipboard Command, and click on the Cut icon.

Using the Home Command Method to Swap Columns in Excel

  • Select cell C4, Right-click on your Mouse and choose Insert Cut Cells.

insert

  • Your desired columns will be swapped.

Using the Home Command Method to Swap Columns in Excel


Method 4 – Applying Keyboard Shortcut to Swap Multiple Columns in Excel

Steps:

  • Select column B and press Ctrl + X.

Apply the Keyboard Shortcuts Method in Multiple Columns in Excel

  • Select column C and hold CtrlPlus Sign (+) on the numeric keypad.

Keyboard

  • Select column C and press Ctrl+X
  • Select column B and press Ctrl + Plus Sign (+) on the numeric keypad.

Apply the Keyboard Shortcuts Method in Multiple Columns in Excel

  • The output of the Keyboard Shortcuts Method will be ready.

Apply the Keyboard Shortcuts Method in Multiple Columns in Excel


Method 5 – Using Sort Feature to Swap Columns

Steps:

  • Classify the columns First Names, Last Names, Countries, and Salaries as 2, 3, 4, and 1

Perform SORT Method to Swap Columns in Excel

  • Go to the Data menu bar, select the Sort command from the Sort & Filter drop-down. In the dialog box that pops up, click on the Options tab, choose Sort left to right, and then press OK.

procedure

  • In the Sort by box, select row 3, and press OK on the dialog box.

procedure

  • The columns will be swapped as shown below.

sort commands


Things to Remember

  • You can use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + X, Ctrl + C, and Ctrl + P to Cut, Copy, and Paste operations when selecting a column or row.
  • To swap columns using the SORT Command in Excel, follow these instructions: Data > Sort > Options > Sort Left to Right > OK > Sort by row > OK.

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Md. Abdur Rahim Rasel
Md. Abdur Rahim Rasel

MD. ABDUR RAHIM is a marine engineer proficient in Excel and passionate about programming with VBA. He views programming as an efficient means to save time while managing data, handling files, and engaging with the internet. His interests extend to Rhino3D, Maxsurf C++, AutoCAD, Deep Neural Networks, and Machine Learning, reflecting his versatile skill set. He earned a B.Sc in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from BUET, and now he has become a content developer, creating technical content... Read Full Bio

2 Comments
  1. Thank you for this article. I used the Sort Method with success. I miss the old “switch column” button though. Bring it back!

    • Greetings Ethan. I’m sorry to see you’re missing a feature. You can submit feature requests to Microsoft via their website or community forums.

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