How to Insert a Column Between Every Other Column in Excel (3 Methods)

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You can manually insert a blank column between every other column but that is not feasible, especially for a large dataset. Also, it will be very time-consuming too. Excel offers some exclusive ways to do it quickly and smartly. So this article will provide you with 3 quick methods to insert a column between every other column in Excel.


Download Practice Workbook

You can download the free Excel template from here and practice on your own.


3 Ways to Insert a Column Between Every Other Column in Excel

To demonstrate the methods, we’ll use the following dataset that represents some fruits’ prices for three consecutive months.


1. Use Keyboard Shortcut to Insert a Blank Column Between Every Other Column in Excel

In our very first method, we’ll use a keyboard shortcut to insert a column between every other column in excel. And it’s one of the easiest ways.

Steps:

  • Select all the columns excluding the first column by clicking the column letter with pressing and holding CTRL-key.
  • Then just press simultaneously CTRL + SHIFT + Plus Key(+).

Use Keyboard Shortcut to Insert a Blank Column Between Every Other Column in Excel

Soon after, you will see that Excel has added a column between every other column.

Read More: Shortcuts to Insert Column in Excel (4 Easiest Ways)


2. Using Helper Row And Sort Feature to Insert a Blank Column Between Every Other Column

Now we’ll apply a tricky way to do the task. We will need a helper row for that and then we’ll use the Sort command. Let’s see how to do it.

Steps:

  • Insert a new row just right above the dataset.
  • Then serially type 1 and 2.
  • Next, use the Flash Fill tool to extend the serial number till the last column.

Using Helper Row And Sort Feature to Insert a Blank Column Between Every Other Column

Giving numbers in the added row is done.

Using Helper Row And Sort Feature to Insert a Blank Column Between Every Other Column

  • After that, copy all the numbered cells and paste them right after the last number in the same row.

Using Helper Row And Sort Feature to Insert a Blank Column Between Every Other Column

  • Now, select the whole dataset.
  • Then click as follows: Home ➤ Editing ➤ Sort & Filter ➤ Custom Sort.

A dialog box will open up soon.

Using Helper Row And Sort Feature to Insert a Blank Column Between Every Other Column

  • Click Options.

Using Helper Row And Sort Feature to Insert a Blank Column Between Every Other Column

  • Later, mark Sort left to right and press OK.

Using Helper Row And Sort Feature to Insert a Blank Column Between Every Other Column

  • Then click on the drop-down icon from the Sort by box and select the row number of the added row. I selected Row 4.
  • Finally, just press OK.

Using Helper Row And Sort Feature to Insert a Blank Column Between Every Other Column

Now have a look, we are done with the task.

  • Lastly, delete the added row.

Read More: Insert Column with Name in Excel VBA (5 Examples)


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3. Embed VBA Macros to Insert a Blank Column Between Every Other Column in Excel

If you like to work with codes in Excel then you can easily insert a column between every other column in Excel using VBA macros.

Steps:

  • Press ALT + F11 to open the VBA window.
  • Then click serially: Insert ➤ Module.

Embed VBA Macros to Insert a Blank Column Between Every Other Column in Excel

  • Write the following codes in the module-
Sub Insert_Column_Between_Every_Other()
For Xcol = 3 To 8 Step 2
Columns(Xcol).Insert Shift:=xlToRight
Next
End Sub
  • Then just click the Run icon to run the codes.

Embed VBA Macros to Insert a Blank Column Between Every Other Column in Excel

Code Breakdown

  • First, I created a Sub procedure Insert_Column_Between_Every_Other.
  • Then used a For loop to identify the adding column number starting from column number 3 and it will skip 2 steps each time the loop executes.
  • Finally, used Columns(Xcol).Insert Shift:=xlToRight to insert columns in the right positions.

Here’s the output.

Read More: How to Insert Column with Excel VBA (4 Ways)


Practice Section

You will get a practice sheet in the Excel file given above to practice the explained ways.


Conclusion

I hope the procedures described above will be good enough to insert a column between every other column in Excel. Feel free to ask any question in the comment section and please give me feedback.


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Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun

Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun

Hello! I am Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun. Welcome to my profile. Currently, I am working at Exceldemy as an Excel and VBA Content Developer. Excel is amazing software. Here I will post excel related useful articles. I am a graduate of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. I love to learn new things and work with them. Thank you.

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