COLUMNS

The COLUMNS function returns the number of columns in a specified array or range.

This can be useful when you need to know how many columns a specific range contains, for example, for data analysis or creating dynamic formulas.

Syntax

COLUMNS(array)

Argument	Description	Permitted values
array	Range of cells or array of values for which the number of columns needs to be determined	Range of cells or a named range

Examples of use

Counting columns in a range

If you have data in the A1:C10 range, you can count the number of columns as follows:

=COLUMNS(A1:C10).

Result: 3.

Counting columns using a named range

If you have created a named range, for example, “MyRange”, you can use it in a function:

=COLUMNS(MyRange)

The result will depend on the size of the named range.

Counting columns in a single column

If you specify a range containing only one column, for example A1:A10:

=COLUMNS(A1:A10)

Result: 1.

Notes

• The COLUMNS function returns an integer representing the number of columns in the specified range.
• If the range is empty, the function returns 0.