COLUMN
Returns the column number(s), given a reference.
Syntax:
COLUMN(reference)
- returns the column number of reference, where reference is a reference to a cell.
- If reference is omitted, the column number of the current cell (containing the formula) is returned.
- If reference is a range of cells and the formula is entered as an array formula (by pressing Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + ↵ Enter rather than ↵ Enter ) a single row array of column numbers is returned.
Example:
COLUMN(B3)
- returns 2. Cell B3 is in the second column (column B).
COLUMN()
- if entered in cell C7, returns 3. Cell C7 is in the third column.
COLUMN(D2:F3) (entered with the Enter key)
- returns 4. This is not an array formula, so the column number of the first cell D2 is returned.
COLUMN(D2:F3) (entered with Ctrl-Shift-Enter)
- returns the single row array {4; 5; 6}, as this is an array formula. If this formula is entered in cell A1, A1 will display 4, B1 5 and C1 6.
See Also
