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Lookup and Reference - COLUMN Function
Description
The COLUMN function returns the first Column number within a supplied reference. If no reference is supplied, the Column Function returns the number of the current Column in the current Excel Worksheet.
Syntax
COLUMN ([reference])
Arguments
| Argument | Description | Required/ Optional |
|---|---|---|
| reference |
The cell or range of cells for which you want to return the first Column number. If reference is omitted, the Column Function returns the number of the current Column in the current Excel Worksheet, in which the Function appears. See Notes Below. |
Optional |
Notes
If the reference argument is omitted or refers to a range of cells, and if the COLUMN function is entered as a horizontal array formula, the COLUMN function returns the column numbers of reference as a horizontal array.
To enter a formula as an array formula- Starting with the formula cell, select the range that you want to contain the array formula. Press F2, and then press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER.
If the reference argument is a range of cells, and if the COLUMN function is not entered as a horizontal array formula, the COLUMN function returns the number of the leftmost Column (the first Column in the Range).
The reference argument cannot refer to multiple areas.
Applicability
Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016
Example
