How to Create All Combinations of 6 Columns in Excel (2 Methods)

Last updated: Nov 29, 2023

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While dealing with an Excel worksheet, you may need to generate all the combinations of a certain number of columns. Finding these combinations manually would be painstaking and time-consuming. You can use the VBA macros or the Power Query Editor to do the operation. It will save time and make your work easier. Also, you can use a formula to do so. We tried every method possible to gain your understanding. You can go through the article to get a proper visualization for finding all combinations of 6 columns in Excel. So, let’s get started.

Table of Contents hide

How to Generate All Combinations of 6 Columns in Excel: 2 Methods

1. Applying VBA Macros

2. Employing Power Query

How to Get All Combinations of 3 Columns Using Formula in Excel

Practice Section

Conclusion

How to Generate All Combinations of 6 Columns in Excel: 2 Methods

We have taken a dataset of numbers in 6 columns. Now, we will try all the combinations of these 6 columns. You can also follow the same methods for 3/4/5 or any number of columns.

Not to mention, we have used the Microsoft 365 version. You may use any other version at your convenience.

1. Applying VBA Macros

You can use VBA macros to find all the combinations of 6 columns. This code will help you to combine any number of columns. You just need to change the variable number and the function number. Please follow the below steps to use the code.

📌 Steps:

Firstly, navigate to the Developer tab >> choose Visual Basic.

Consequently, a window appears. Go to the Insert tab >> pick Module >> Module1.

In the Module 1 section write up the following code.

Sub CombinationsFor6Columns()
Dim X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 As Range
Dim RG As Range
Dim xStr As String
Dim FN1, FN2, FN3, FN4, FN5, FN6 As Integer
Dim SV1, SV2, SV3, SV4, SV5, SV6 As String
Set X1 = Range("B5:B7")
Set X2 = Range("C5:C7")
Set X3 = Range("D5:D7")
Set X4 = Range("E5:E7")
Set X5 = Range("F5:F7")
Set X6 = Range("G5:G7")
xStr = "-"
Set RG = Range("H5")
For FN1 = 1 To X1.Count
SV1 = X1.Item(FN1).Text
For FN2 = 1 To X2.Count
SV2 = X2.Item(FN2).Text
For FN3 = 1 To X3.Count
SV3 = X3.Item(FN3).Text
For FN4 = 1 To X4.Count
SV4 = X4.Item(FN4).Text
For FN5 = 1 To X5.Count
SV5 = X5.Item(FN5).Text
For FN6 = 1 To X6.Count
SV6 = X6.Item(FN6).Text
RG.Value = SV1 & xStr & SV2 & xStr & SV3 & xStr & SV4 & xStr & SV5 & xStr & SV6
Set RG = RG.Offset(1, 0)
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next
End Sub

In the above code, the X1 to X6 is the range. We have to declare the range column numbers individually. FN1 to FN6 is the integer and SV1 to SV6 is the string. RG is the range of the output cell which is H5.

Eventually, run the code with the F5 key, and you’ll get the result like the image below.

2. Employing Power Query

The Power Query is a powerful tool in Excel that can be used to solve multiple table-related problems. It can also show all the combinations of the columns you need. Though the procedure is a bit lengthy, it is handy too. See the below steps.

📌 Steps:

Firstly, select the entire range of the dataset.
Secondly, hover over the Data tab >> choose the From Table/Range.

Consequently, the Create Table dialog wizard appears. Check the My table has headers.

At this moment, the Power Query Editor appears. Select Close & Load >> Close & Load To.

Eventually, check the Only Create Connection from the Import Data dialog box.

Again, navigate to the Data tab >> choose Get Data >> pick Launch Power Query Editor.

Subsequently, move to the Add Column tab >> choose Custom Column.

Eventually, the Custom Column dialog wizard appears. Write Temp to the New column name. Put 1 to the Custom column formula. Hit OK.

Now, from the Home tab of the Power Query Editor. Choose Merge Queries >> Merge Queries as New.

In addition, the Merge dialog box appears. Select the Temp (whatever you named) column in both portions. Make the Join Kind as Full Outer (all rows from both).

Finally, you get all the combinations for 6 columns like the image below.

How to Get All Combinations of 3 Columns Using Formula in Excel

You can also use a formula we use here for 3 column combinations. This is a large formula, and as a result, it may not be feasible for large numbers of columns. It is possible to use formulas for any number of columns, but we are discouraging you from doing so. Because it will take lots of time to write up the code. But in case you want to use it, you can follow the below steps: We have used the IFERROR, the INDEX, the COUNTA, the ROW, and the MOD functions together here.

📌 Steps:

Initially, go to the E5 cell and insert the formula.

=IFERROR(INDEX($B$5:$B$7,INT((ROW(1:1)-1)/((COUNTA($C$5:$C$7)*(COUNTA($D$5:$D$7)))))+1)&”-“&INDEX($C$5:$C$7,MOD(INT((ROW(1:1)-1)/COUNTA($D$5:$D$7)),COUNTA($C$5:$C$7))+1)&”-“&INDEX($D$5:$D$7,MOD((ROW(1:1)-1),COUNTA($D$5:$D$7))+1),””)

Here,

B5:B7= Range of Column 1.

C5:C7= Range of Column 2.

D5:D7= Range of Column 3.

Formula Breakdown:

COUNTA($D$5:$D$7))+1)→ looks into cells D5 and D7 and counts the amount of information.

INDEX($B$5:$B$7,INT((ROW(1:1)-1)/((COUNTA($C$5:$C$7)→ returns a value or the reference to a value from cell D5 to D7.

INT((ROW(1:1)-1)/((COUNTA($C$5:$C$7)*(COUNTA($D$5:$D$7)))))+1)→returns an integer value after dividing the number of “rows-1” by the product of the amount of information in cell C5 to C7 and D5 to D7.

IFERROR(INDEX($B$5:$B$7,INT((ROW(1:1)-1)/((COUNTA($C$5:$C$7)*(COUNTA($D$5:$D$7)))))+1)→ evaluates the formula and returns all possible combinations.

Press ENTER and drag it down for other cells.

Finally, you get all the combinations for 3 columns with the formula (see the image).

Practice Section

We have provided a practice section on each sheet on the right side for your practice. Please do it by yourself.

Download Practice Workbook

Download the following practice workbook. It will help you to realize the topic more clearly.

Generating All Combinations of 6 Columns.xlsm

Conclusion

That’s all about today’s session. These are some easy methods to create combinations of 6 columns in Excel. Please let us know in the comments section if you have any questions or suggestions. For a better understanding please download the practice sheet. Thanks for your patience in reading this article.

Sub AdvancedCombinationsFor6Columns() On Error GoTo ErrorHandler Dim X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 As Range Dim RG As Range Dim xStr As String Dim FN1, FN2, FN3, FN4, FN5, FN6 As Integer Dim SV1, SV2, SV3, SV4, SV5, SV6 As String Set X1 = Range("B5:B19") Set X2 = Range("C5:C19") Set X3 = Range("D5:D19") Set X4 = Range("E5:E19") Set X5 = Range("F5:F19") Set X6 = Range("G5:G19") xStr = " - " Set RG = Range("H5") For FN1 = 1 To X1.Count SV1 = X1.Item(FN1).Text For FN2 = 1 To X2.Count SV2 = X2.Item(FN2).Text For FN3 = 1 To X3.Count SV3 = X3.Item(FN3).Text For FN4 = 1 To X4.Count SV4 = X4.Item(FN4).Text For FN5 = 1 To X5.Count SV5 = X5.Item(FN5).Text For FN6 = 1 To X6.Count SV6 = X6.Item(FN6).Text RG.Value = SV1 & xStr & SV2 & xStr & SV3 & xStr & SV4 & xStr & SV5 & xStr & SV6 Set RG = RG.Offset(1, 0) Next Next Next Next Next Next Exit Sub ErrorHandler: Exit Sub End Sub

6 Comments

Fred Nov 30, 2022 at 1:59 PM

Hi Fahim,
This article is pretty helpful to me but I want to use the macros for generating combinations of 4 columns.What modification should be done for that? Can you please explain? Thanks though.
- Reply
  Fahim Shahriyar Dipto Dec 1, 2022 at 10:04 AM
  
  Hello Fred,
  Thanks for your appreciation. You can also do it for 4 columns also. All you need to change is the variable, integer and string. Without these changes, all the other code will be the same as before. We also provide the VBA code for the 4 columns below.
  Sub CombinationsFor4Columns()
  Dim X1, X2, X3, X4 As Range
  Dim RG As Range
  Dim xStr As String
  Dim FN1, FN2, FN3, FN4 As Integer
  Dim SV1, SV2, SV3, SV4 As String
  Set X1 = Range("B5:B7")
  Set X2 = Range("C5:C7")
  Set X3 = Range("D5:D7")
  Set X4 = Range("E5:E7")
  xStr = "-"
  Set RG = Range("H5")
  For FN1 = 1 To X1.Count
  SV1 = X1.Item(FN1).Text
  For FN2 = 1 To X2.Count
  SV2 = X2.Item(FN2).Text
  For FN3 = 1 To X3.Count
  SV3 = X3.Item(FN3).Text
  For FN4 = 1 To X4.Count
  SV4 = X4.Item(FN4).Text
  RG.Value = SV1 & xStr & SV2 & xStr & SV3 & xStr & SV4
  Set RG = RG.Offset(1, 0)
  Next
  Next
  Next
  Next
  End Sub
  Hope the above code solves your problem. Keep supporting us.
  Regards
  Fahim Shahriyar Dipto
  Excel & VBA Content Developer
Consuelo M. Maurice Dec 6, 2022 at 4:27 PM

Is it possible to generate combination for 3 columns where we have 5 numbers of rows?
- Reply
  Fahim Shahriyar Dipto Dec 8, 2022 at 12:12 PM
  
  Hello Maurice,
  Thanks for your feedback. In your query, as you wanted to create the combination for 3 columns and five rows, you have to change the VBA code variables to X1, X2, and X3. Also, you need to change the row range. Don’t worry, We have added the code for your betterment. Follow the code and your work will be done.
  Sub CombinationsFor3Columns()
  Dim X1, X2, X3 As Range
  Dim RG As Range
  Dim xStr As String
  Dim FN1, FN2, FN3, FN4 As Integer
  Dim SV1, SV2, SV3, SV4 As String
  Set X1 = Range("B5:B9")
  Set X2 = Range("C5:C9")
  Set X3 = Range("D5:D9")
  xStr = "-"
  Set RG = Range("D5")
  For FN1 = 1 To X1.Count
  SV1 = X1.Item(FN1).Text
  For FN2 = 1 To X2.Count
  SV2 = X2.Item(FN2).Text
  For FN3 = 1 To X3.Count
  SV3 = X3.Item(FN3).Text
  RG.Value = SV1 & xStr & SV2 & xStr & SV3
  Set RG = RG.Offset(1, 0)
  Next
  Next
  Next
  End Sub
  Hope the above code solves your problem. Keep supporting us.
  Regards
  Fahim Shahriyar Dipto
  Excel & VBA Content Developer
Luis Carrera Dec 4, 2023 at 7:29 PM

I tried the first option to get all the possible combinations of 6 digits from a list of 15 numbers, and I got an error message saying that there was an error on: “Set RG = RG.Offset(1, 0)”. Could you check what I did wrong? This is the code that I used:

Sub CombinationsFor6Columns()
Dim X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 As Range
Dim RG As Range
Dim xStr As String
Dim FN1, FN2, FN3, FN4, FN5, FN6 As Integer
Dim SV1, SV2, SV3, SV4, SV5, SV6 As String
Set X1 = Range(“B5:B19”)
Set X2 = Range(“C5:C19”)
Set X3 = Range(“D5:D19”)
Set X4 = Range(“E5:E19”)
Set X5 = Range(“F5:F19”)
Set X6 = Range(“G5:G19”)
xStr = “-”
Set RG = Range(“H5”)
For FN1 = 1 To X1.Count
SV1 = X1.Item(FN1).Text
For FN2 = 1 To X2.Count
SV2 = X2.Item(FN2).Text
For FN3 = 1 To X3.Count
SV3 = X3.Item(FN3).Text
For FN4 = 1 To X4.Count
SV4 = X4.Item(FN4).Text
For FN5 = 1 To X5.Count
SV5 = X5.Item(FN5).Text
For FN6 = 1 To X6.Count
SV6 = X6.Item(FN6).Text
RG.Value = SV1 & xStr & SV2 & xStr & SV3 & xStr & SV4 & xStr & SV5 & xStr & SV6
Set RG = RG.Offset(1, 0)
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next
End Sub
- Reply
  Lutfor Rahman Shimanto Dec 5, 2023 at 4:18 PM
  Hello LUIS CARRERA
  
  Thanks for sharing your problem. The error you are facing is like the following:
  
  Run-time error ‘1004’
  Application-defined or object-defined error
  
  On the line below:
  
  Set RG = RG.Offset(1, 0)
  
  The error arises from setting the range offset outside the worksheet’s boundaries. The range RG starts at cell H5, and when you try to set the offset to (1, 0), it might go beyond the last row of the worksheet.
  
  However, I am presenting an Excel VBA code to handle that error.
  
  Excel VBA Code:
```
Sub AdvancedCombinationsFor6Columns()
    
    On Error GoTo ErrorHandler
    
    Dim X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 As Range
    Dim RG As Range
    Dim xStr As String
    Dim FN1, FN2, FN3, FN4, FN5, FN6 As Integer
    Dim SV1, SV2, SV3, SV4, SV5, SV6 As String
    
    Set X1 = Range("B5:B19")
    Set X2 = Range("C5:C19")
    Set X3 = Range("D5:D19")
    Set X4 = Range("E5:E19")
    Set X5 = Range("F5:F19")
    Set X6 = Range("G5:G19")
    
    xStr = " - "
    
    Set RG = Range("H5")
    For FN1 = 1 To X1.Count
        SV1 = X1.Item(FN1).Text
        For FN2 = 1 To X2.Count
            SV2 = X2.Item(FN2).Text
            For FN3 = 1 To X3.Count
                SV3 = X3.Item(FN3).Text
                For FN4 = 1 To X4.Count
                    SV4 = X4.Item(FN4).Text
                    For FN5 = 1 To X5.Count
                        SV5 = X5.Item(FN5).Text
                        For FN6 = 1 To X6.Count
                            SV6 = X6.Item(FN6).Text
                            RG.Value = SV1 & xStr & SV2 & xStr & SV3 & xStr & SV4 & xStr & SV5 & xStr & SV6
                            Set RG = RG.Offset(1, 0)
                        Next
                    Next
                Next
            Next
        Next
    Next
    
    Exit Sub
    
ErrorHandler:

    Exit Sub

End Sub
```
  Hopefully, the code will work perfectly for you. Good luck.
  
  Regards
  Lutfor Rahman Shimanto

How to Create All Combinations of 6 Columns in Excel (2 Methods)

How to Generate All Combinations of 6 Columns in Excel: 2 Methods

1. Applying VBA Macros

2. Employing Power Query

How to Get All Combinations of 3 Columns Using Formula in Excel

Practice Section

Conclusion

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