COLUMN
Returns the column number of a reference.
COLUMN([reference])Arguments
referenceThe cell to get the column number of(optional)
=COLUMN()Returns column number of the formula
=COLUMN(C5)Returns 3 for column C
=CHAR(64+COLUMN())Converts column number to letter
- •Column A = 1, B = 2, etc.
- •Without argument, returns current column
- •Useful for dynamic column references
- •Confusing COLUMN (returns a column number) with COLUMNS (counts the number of columns in a range) - the names look nearly identical but answer completely different questions
- •Using COLUMN() with no argument inside a formula later copied to a different starting column, forgetting it always reflects the current cell's column, which changes with every copy
- •Relying on COLUMN to auto-number a horizontal list, then watching the numbering break after columns are inserted or deleted, since COLUMN recalculates automatically to match new positions - not always the desired behavior
What's the difference between COLUMN and COLUMNS?
COLUMN(reference) returns the column number of a single cell or the first column of a range. COLUMNS(range) returns how many columns a range contains. One gives a position, the other gives a count.
How do I auto-number a horizontal list using COLUMN?
COLUMN()-COLUMN($A$1)+1 in the first cell of your list, copied across, gives 1, 2, 3... regardless of which actual column the list starts in.
Does COLUMN() change when I copy the formula to another column?
Yes, COLUMN() with no argument always reflects the column of the cell containing the formula itself, so it updates with every copy.
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