How to Hide Columns in Excel (6 Easy Ways)

Method 1 – Using the Home Tab from the Ribbon

  • Select the column(s) you want to hide.
  • Navigate to the Home tab on the ribbon.
  • Go to the Cells group.
  • Click on the Format button.
  • Choose Hide & Unhide and select Hide Columns.

Selecting Hide Columns

  • We have hidden column E. In the image, columns D and F are displayed but not column E.

Having the hidden column E


Method 2 – Using the Context Menu to Hide Columns in Excel

  • Select columns (for example, column E).\
  • Right-click on the column header(s) you wish to hide.
  • From the context menu, select Hide.

Selecting Hide from the context menu

  • We have hidden column E. In the image, columns D and F are displayed but not column E.

Hidden Column in Excel


Method 3 – Using the Keyboard Shortcut to Hide Columns

  • Select the column(s) you want to hide.
  • Press Ctrl + 0.
  • The selected columns will be hidden instantly.

Keyboard Shortcut to hide

  • You will see a small gap where a column between adjacent columns is hidden. Column C is hidden, so there is a small gap between Column B and Column D.

Hide Columns in Excel


Method 4 – Using the Format Dialog Box to Hide Columns in Excel

  • Select the column(s) you want to hide.
  • Right-click and select Format Cells.
  • Alternatively, press the Ctrl + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog box.

Opening the Format Cells dialog box

  • In the dialog box, navigate to Number.
  • Select Custom.
  • Enter ;;; in the Type box.
  • Press OK to hide the selected cells.

The Format Cells dialog box

  • The selected cells are hidden in a column.

Hide cells in Excel


Method 5 – Using the Data Tab from the Ribbon to Hide Columns

  • Select columns.
  • Go to Data tab and pick Group.
  • Click the minus() sign to hide the columns.

Clicking the minus sign

  • Columns C and D are hidden. You can click the plus sign, to unhide the columns.

Hide Columns in Excel

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Method 6 – Using VBA Macro to Hide Columns

  • Go to the Developer tab and select Visual Basic. 

Selecting Visual Basic

  • Enter the following VBA code to hide column D and column E:
Sub Hide_the_Columns()
Columns("D:E").Hidden = True
End Sub

Entering the VBA code

  • Now columns D and E are not displayed in Excel.

Hide Column in Excel

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How to Unhide Hidden Columns

Method 1 – Using Context Menu

  • Select the top left corner of your worksheet.
  • Right-click on any column header.
  • Select Unhide.

Using Context Menu to Unhide

  • Now in the following image, we can see all the columns.

Unhide Columns in Excel


Method 2: Using VBA to Unhide Columns

  • Enter the following VBA code to unhide any columns:
Sub Unhide_Columns_in_Whole_Workbook()
Dim x As Worksheet
For Each x In Worksheets
x.Columns.EntireColumn.Hidden = False
Next x
End Sub

Entering the VBA code

  • Here is the final image of Using VBA to Unhide Columns.

Unhide Columns in Excel Using VBA

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Things to Remember

Column Dependencies: Before hiding a column, ensure that it does not contain important data or formulas that are used in other parts of your worksheet. Hiding a column can affect calculations or references in your workbook.

Print Considerations: When preparing your worksheet for printing, remember that hidden columns may still be included in the printed output. Adjust the print settings accordingly to exclude hidden columns if needed.

Data Integrity: Hiding columns does not protect or secure the data within them. If you have sensitive information, consider using other methods, such as data protection or password encryption, to safeguard your data.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can hidden columns still be referenced in formulas?

Yes, hidden columns can still be referenced in formulas. Formulas that refer to hidden columns will continue to calculate as normal. However, it’s important to ensure that the hidden column’s data is not critical for the formula’s accuracy.

2. Can hidden columns be seen by others who access my Excel file?

Yes, anyone with access to the Excel file can unhide the hidden columns. Hiding columns in Excel is not a security measure to protect sensitive information. If you need to secure data, consider using other methods like password protection or encryption.

3. How can I unhide columns in Excel?

To unhide columns, select the columns on either side of the hidden columns, right-click, and choose the “Unhide” option from the context menu. You can also use the “Format” option in the “Cells” group on the ribbon to unhide columns.


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How to Hide Columns in Excel: Knowledge Hub


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Robiul Hossain
Robiul Hossain

Hello, I am Robiul. I’ve completed my BSc in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET). I have a keen interest in Programming and Data science. I really love to solve problems that help lots of people in their day to day life. Currently, I am working with a highly skilled and motivated Technical Writing team of ExcelDemy. We are committed to bringing you the best possible results of your Microsoft Excel problems.... Read Full Bio

2 Comments
  1. Excel has an infinite number of columns. You have to hide “ALL COLUMNS TO THE RIGHT OF” a column and I forget the keystroke. It’s 2 or 3 keys at once including right arrow. Then ctrl 0 hides them. Then with down arrow it selects rows and ctrl 9 hides them.

    • Reply Lutfor Rahman Shimanto
      Lutfor Rahman Shimanto Apr 22, 2024 at 10:09 AM

      Hello Charlie V

      Thanks for visiting our blog and sharing your ideas. You are talking about shortcut keys to hide all rows or columns.

      Do worry! We have demonstrated the whole idea. Please check the following GIF:

      Required Shortcut Keys to Hide All Rows or Columns:
      >> Ctrl + Shift + Right Arrow to select all columns to the right.
      >> Ctrl + 0 to hide the selected columns.
      >> Ctrl + Shift + Down Arrow to select all rows to the bottom.
      >> Ctrl + 9 to hide the selected rows.

      Hopefully, these are the shortcut keys you were looking for. Once again, thanks for the comment; good luck.

      Regards
      Lutfor Rahman Shimanto
      ExcelDemy

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