Hafiz Islam
If you are looking for moving multiple columns to a different location in your Excel worksheet, then you have several ways to do this. In this article, you will learn 4 easy ways to move multiple columns in Excel.
Let’s first introduce the dataset. We have the following dataset which contains 5 columns with headings. Our goal is to move columns to a different location in this table.
1. Using Drag and Drop to Move Multiple Columns in Excel
It is the easiest way to move columns. Follow the steps below to learn this method quickly.
Steps:
- Firstly, select the columns that you want to move to another location. Here, we have selected E4:F12. Hover over the selection. A 4-sided arrow appears.
- Press and hold both the Shift key and the left mouse button.
- Move the columns to the new location. Release both the left mouse button and the Shift key.
Finally, here is the result.
2. Shifting Multiple Columns with Insert Cut Cells from Context Menu
This method is somewhat old-fashioned. Just follow the steps below to learn this quickly.
Steps:
- Firstly, select the columns you want to shift → then Right-click your mouse → Click on the Cut command.
- Now, select a column before where you want to insert the previously selected columns → again Right-click your mouse → and Click Insert Cut Cells option.
Finally, here is the result.
3. Moving Multiple Columns in Excel Using Data Sort Tool
You can move multiple columns by rearranging the order of all columns in one magic way. Just follow the steps below to learn this quick trick.
Steps:
- In our dataset, In the blank Row 3, write down the order number in the way you want to rearrange your columns. In this example, the rearrangement of the columns will be 1) ID, 2) Sales, 3) Salary, 4) First Name, and 5) Last Name. If your dataset doesn’t have any blank row, you can insert a new blank row.
- Â Now, go to the Data tab > Sort. A Sort dialog box appears.
- Click on Options → Then Choose the Sort left to Right button → Finally, press OK.
- From the Sort by drop-down list, select Row 1 and click OK.
- Now, you can delete the Row which indicates the order number.
Finally, here is the result.
Read More: How to Move Columns in Excel without Overwriting
4. Using Excel SORT Function to Move Multiple Columns
The SORT function helps you rearrange the columns of your table in a new location while keeping the original table intact. Then, you can delete the old table if you are okay with your new table. Follow the steps below,
Steps:
- Firstly, insert the numerical order in Row 3 in a way you would like to arrange the columns. You can do this by adding a new row if you have no blank rows.
- Select the cell (In this example, Cell H3) where you want to locate your new rearranged table. And type the following formula in H3.
=SORT(B3:F12,1,1,TRUE)Formula Explanation:
- Firstly, insert your table range (in this example, B3:F12).
- The sort_index is set to 1, which means the first row of the selected table (In this example, Row 3 of the entire worksheet) which we created to indicate the order number will be used as the sort_index.
- The sort_order is set to 1, which means the data order will be ascending.
- Finally, the by_column is set to true, which means we want to sort columns, not the rows.
- Press ENTER.
Here is the result.
Read More: How to Move Columns in Excel Table
Download Practice Book
Download the following Excel file for your practice.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, I have discussed 4 quick ways to move multiple columns in Excel. Please, drop comments, suggestions, or queries if you have any in the comment section below.
