You just can’t simply delete any column in Excel which is used in formulas in other columns. In this article, we will learn how to delete columns in Excel without affecting formulas.
Consider the following dataset. Here we have Unit Production in column B and Per unit Cost in column C. After multiplying these two we get the total cost per week and adding all the weekly total costs we get monthly cost. Now we want to delete columns B and C without affecting the formula in column D.
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Deleting Column in Excel without Affecting Formula
1.  Using Special Feature
Select all the data (B5:D9) and press F5. A Go to box will appear. Click on Special.
After that, the Go to Special box will appear. Select Constants. Then click OK.
It will select your data cell only.
Now press Delete. Only your data cell will be deleted.
The formula in column D4 is still functional.
If you give new entries in Columns B and C, you will get new values in Column D.
2.  Using Paste Special
If you want to keep the values of your formula cell before deleting the columns, you can use the Paste Special feature. Select the formula cells and press CTRL+C.
Select an empty cell. Right-click on it. Select Paste Special
Paste Special box will appear. Select Values and press OK.
It will copy your values of the formula cell.
Now select the cells of the column you want to delete.
Go to Home> Editing>Clear>Clear content.
It will delete the cells of the column but your formula values won’t be affected.
Conclusion
By using any of the above methods you will be able to delete columns without affecting your formula. If you have any confusion, please leave a comment.