Adding new columns in your Excel worksheets allows you to organize your data better and expand your analysis Whether you need an extra column for more data or want to insert a column between existing ones, Excel makes it easy
In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk through all the different ways to insert columns in Excel on Windows and Mac. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to
- Add a column using the Ribbon or right-click menu
- Insert a column between existing columns
- Add multiple columns at once
- Insert columns with or without formatting
- Use keyboard shortcuts to add columns faster
Follow along with detailed steps, images, and video tutorials to master column insertion in Excel. Let’s get started!
How to Insert a Column Using the Ribbon
The Ribbon provides a simple way to add columns in Excel:
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Select any cell in the column to the right of where you want the new column. For example, click cell C5 to insert before column C.
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Go to the Home tab.
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In the Cells group, click the Insert drop-down and select Insert Sheet Columns.
A new blank column will be inserted to the left of the selected cell. All existing columns will shift right.
This method lets you insert one column at a time. To add multiple columns, you’ll need to use one of the other techniques covered next.
Inserting a Column Through the Right-Click Menu
The right-click menu provides another fast way to add columns in Excel:
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Select any cell in the column to the right of where you want the new column.
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Right-click on the column letter at the top of that selected column.
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Choose Insert from the right-click menu.
This will insert a new blank column to the left, pushing existing columns to the right.
To quickly add multiple columns, you can select multiple column letters before right-clicking to insert.
How to Insert a Column Between Existing Columns
When you need to insert a new column between existing columns, here are a couple easy ways to do it:
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Select the column to the right of where you want the new column. Right-click on that column letter and choose Insert.
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Alternatively, go to the column to the left of where you want to insert. Click the Insert drop-down on the Ribbon and select Insert Sheet Columns.
Either approach will shift the selected column and all columns to the right over by one, creating space for the new column.
Adding Multiple Columns at Once in Excel
If you need to add several new columns, the fastest way is:
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Select the same number of columns as you want to insert starting from the column to the right of where you want to add the new columns.
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Right-click on one of the selected column letters.
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Choose Insert from the menu.
For example, to insert 3 new columns before column C, first select columns C, D, and E. Then right-click and insert.
This will push the selected columns and all columns to the right over by 3, leaving you with 3 new blank columns.
Inserting Columns with or Without Formatting
When inserting columns, Excel will copy any formatting from the adjacent column and apply it to the new column.
To insert columns without formatting:
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After inserting the new column, click the Insert Options button that appears.
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Uncheck the Format same as selected cell option.
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Click OK.
The new column will be completely free of formatting.
![Insert columns without formatting in Excel][]
Helpful Keyboard Shortcuts for Inserting Columns
You can speed up inserting columns in Excel using these handy keyboard shortcuts:
- Ctrl + Shift + = – Insert column to the left
- Ctrl + = – Insert column to the right
- Ctrl + Shift + Spacebar – Select entire column
- Ctrl + Spacebar – Select column by intervals
After you get one column inserted, press F4 to repeat the action and quickly add more columns one by one.
How to Delete Columns in Excel
To delete columns you no longer need:
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Select the column(s) you want to remove.
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Right-click and choose Delete.
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Confirm the delete to shift remaining columns left to fill the gap.
Inserting Columns on Excel for Mac
The process for adding columns is very similar on Mac:
- Click the Layout tab then click Insert Column to insert a column to the left of the active cell.
- Or press Cmd + Option + = to insert a column.
- To delete a column, select it and press Cmd + Delete .
Now you have a complete understanding of how to insert columns in Excel on both Windows and Mac. The key takeaways are:
- Use the Ribbon or right-click menu to quickly add columns.
- Select multiple columns before inserting to add several at once.
- Insert columns between existing ones by going right then left.
- Check the Insert Options to prevent formatting from being applied.
- Leverage shortcuts like Ctrl + Shift + = to speed up the process.
Being able to effortlessly insert and delete columns will make managing your Excel workbooks much easier. With these step-by-step tutorials, you can become a pro at adding and removing columns in Excel.
1 Answer 1 Sorted by:
To Insert a column in an Excel table (individual key-presses):
Alt - i - c
Expand an Excel table to include an additional columns with data in them: (without using the mouse)
Go to the top-left cell of your table.
Open the Resize Table Dialog (as you mentioned)
Then to add existing columns to the table:
How to insert rows and columns in excel
How to add multiple columns in Excel?
To add multiple columns, execute the following steps. 4. Select multiple columns by clicking and dragging over the column headers. For example, select column A and column B. 5. Right click, and then click Insert. Result: 6. Double click cell D10.
How to sum a column in Excel?
Microsoft Excel offers multiple ways to sum the values of a specific column. You can use the status bar, AutoSum, and the SUM function to add up the values in your column. Here’s how to use them. Related: How to Add Numbers in Microsoft Excel One way to sum a column is to use Excel’s status bar.
How to insert columns in Excel?
Click on the Insert command found in the Cells section. Choose the Insert Sheet Columns option from the menu. If you prefer to avoid using the mouse for performing any actions in Excel, you’re in luck because there is a keyboard shortcut for inserting columns.
How do I add columns & rows in Excel?
Right-click and choose “Insert” from the shortcut menu. Go to the Home tab and click the drop-down arrow for Insert. Choose “Insert Sheet Columns” or “Insert Sheet Rows.” You’ll then have your new columns or rows added and ready for data.
