How to Skip a Column When Selecting in Excel (4 Easy Methods)

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This tutorial will demonstrate how to skip a column when selecting excel. When dealing with lots of data sometimes we need to skip one or many columns to avoid confusion. Many times you need to skip consecutive columns and many times you have to skip cluttered columns at the same time. So, it is essential to learn how to skip a column when selecting in excel.


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4 Easy Methods to Skip a Column When Selecting in Excel

We’ll use a sample dataset overview as an example in Excel to understand easily. In this case, we have the Name in column B, ID in column C, EEE, ME, and CE in columns D, E, and F. If you follow the steps correctly, you should learn how to skip a column when selecting excel on your own. The steps are:

how to skip a column when selecting in excel


1. Selecting Specific One Column

In this case, our goal is to skip a column when selecting in excel. The steps of this method are.

Steps:

  • First, put your mouse cursor on the desired column.
  • Then, on the desired marked column on the column bar.
  • Last, you will get the desired result.


2. Choosing Multiple Columns

Now, when you want to select multiple columns which are not consecutive then you can follow this method. The steps of this method are.

Steps:

  • Firstly, select a certain desired column.

Choosing a Certain Column to Skip a Column When Selecting in Excel

  • Secondly, hold the Ctrl button and then select the next desired column.

  • Thirdly, you can select one by one desired column but you have to hold pressing the Ctrl button.
  • Lastly, you will get the desired result.

Choosing Multiple Columns to Skip Column When Selecting in Excel

Read More: How to Skip Every Other Column Using Excel Formula (3 Methods)


3. Skipping Columns After Selecting All Cells

Sometimes, we need all the columns except one or two columns. In that particular case, we can use this method by following the below steps.

Steps:

  • To begin with, click on the Select All option on the left side of the bar or press Ctrl+A to select all the cells.

Selecting the whole worksheet to Skip Column When Selecting in Excel

  • In addition, press the Ctrl option and click the column you want to unselect.

  • Furthermore, you have to hold pressing the Ctrl button and unselect the columns one by one.
  • Finally, you will get the desired result.

Skipping Desired Columns to Skip a Column When Selecting in Excel

Read More: Skip Cells When Dragging in Excel (4 Easy Methods)


4. Choosing Range of Consecutive Columns

Now, we want to select a certain consecutive column and other columns will be automatically skipped. We have to do this by following the below steps.

Steps:

  • First, select one particular column.

  • Second, press the Shift button and click on the last column you want to include in the column range.
  • If you concentrate correctly, anything you do with these selected cells won’t be applicable to the unselected columns. This is why these unselected columns are skipped columns.

Selecting Consecutive Columns to Skip a Column When Selecting in Excel

Read More: Excel Formulas to Fill Down Sequence Numbers Skip Hidden Rows


How to Skip Cells in Excel Formula

In this case, our goal is to skip cells by using the VBA code. The steps of this method are.

Steps:

  • At first, arrange a dataset like the below image.

Arranging a Dataset to Skip a Column When Selecting in Excel

  • Second, go to the Insert > Module options to open the VBA window.

  • Third, insert the following code in the window.
Sub Skip_Blank_Rows()
Range("B5:F11").Select
Selection.SpecialCells(xlCellTypeBlanks).EntireRow.Delete
End Sub

Inserting VBA Code

  • Last, you will get the desired result.


Things to Remember

  • We have shown the steps for the second and third you have to keep holding the Ctrl If anyhow you forget to keep holding the button then the columns won’t get selected only the last column you have pressed, will be selected.
  • In the case of choosing a selected range, you have to know the range first and then execute the method.

Conclusion

Henceforth, follow the above-described methods. Hopefully, these methods will help you to skip a column when selecting in excel. We will be glad to know if you can execute the task in any other way. Follow the ExcelDemy website for more articles like this. Please feel free to add comments, suggestions, or questions in the section below if you have any confusion or face any problems. We will try our level best to solve the problem or work with your suggestions.


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Zehad Rian Jim

Zehad Rian Jim

Hi there! I am Zehad Rian Jim. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering from BUET. Currently, I am working as a technical content writer at ExcelDemy. You will find all my articles on Microsoft Excel on this site. Outside of the workplace, my hobbies and interests include watching movies, tv series, and meeting new people. I also enjoy sports. My favorite sports are Cricket (to watch and play) and Badminton (play).

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