The COLUMN function returns the column number for a given cell or range reference.
This function can be useful for creating dynamic formulas that automatically adapt when copied to the right/left, as well as for determining the position of data in a spreadsheet and organizing calculations that depend on the current column.
Syntax
COLUMN([reference])
Argument |
Description |
Permitted values |
|---|---|---|
[reference] |
(optional) Cell for which the column number needs to be returned (column A corresponds to the value 1) If the argument is not specified, the cell containing this formula is used by default |
Cell address, for example, A1 |
Example of use
Defining a column for a cell
=COLUMN(E8)
This formula will return 5, since cell E8 is in the fifth column.
Defining a column for a range
=COLUMN(A1:D4)
This formula will return 1, as the formula is located in cell A1 in column 1.
Notes
–The COLUMN function is useful in combination with other functions, for example, to automate calculations where the column position needs to be taken into account.
–When columns are inserted or deleted, the result of the function is automatically recalculated.
–When a formula is copied to the right or left, the result of the function changes automatically.
–When a range is specified, the number of the first column in that range is returned.