Lookup
COLUMN
Definition
COLUMN returns the column number of a cell, with A as 1.
Syntax
=COLUMN([reference])
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
reference |
Optional. The cell whose column number you want, such as E3. If left out, Excel uses the formula cell. |
Worked example
A grid stores a flag in E3 and needs that column number in B2.
| Cell | Value |
|---|---|
| E3 | flag |
Formula: =COLUMN(E3)
Result: 5. Column E is the fifth column, so COLUMN returns 5.
Practice
Cell C2 holds x. In D2, write a formula that returns the column number of C2.
- In D2, write a COLUMN formula for C2.
- D2 should show the column of C2.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =COLUMN(C2) in D2.
C2 is in column 3.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
D2 uses COLUMN.
D2 now shows 3.
Related functions
ROW is the matching row number. INDEX needs a column position inside a range, which may differ from the sheet column.
Common mistake
Counting A as 0: COLUMN(C2) is 3, because A is 1, B is 2, and C is 3.