How to Move Columns in Excel

There are three easy ways to move columns in Excel. Use the first two for one or a few columns, and the third to reorder many columns in one go.

Method 1: drag with the Shift key

1. Select the column. Point to the border of the selection until the pointer becomes a four-headed arrow. Hold down Shift, then drag the column to its new place.

   

2. Release the mouse button, then the Shift key.

   

Note: Holding Shift inserts the column between the others instead of overwriting them. Select several columns first to move them together.

Method 2: Insert Cut Cells

1. Select the column you want to move.

   

2. Right-click and click Cut.

   

3. Select the column where the moved column should go. Right-click and click Insert Cut Cells.

   

Result: the column moves to its new place and the others shift over.

Method 3: reorder many columns with Sort

1. Add a helper row at the top and number the columns in the order you want them. Then select the whole data range, including that row.

   

2. On the Data tab, in the Sort & Filter group, click Sort.

   

3. In the Sort dialog box, click Options.

   

4. Choose Sort left to right and click OK.

   

5. In Sort by, choose Row 1 (your helper row) and click OK.

   

Result: the columns are rearranged in the new order. You can now delete the helper row.