How to Copy a Column in Excel

As a professional or student, you may find yourself needing to copy a column in Excel. Whether you need to move data to another spreadsheet or simply duplicate a column, this task can be done easily with a few clicks of a button. In this post, we’ll go through step-by-step instructions for how to copy a column in Excel, whether you’re using a Windows or Mac computer. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to effortlessly copy columns and save yourself time and effort. Let’s get started!

Method 1: Copy and Paste Column

The simplest method to copy a column in Excel is to use the copy and paste function. Follow these steps:

Step 1:

Open your Excel file and select the column you want to copy. Click on the letter above the column to select the entire column.

Step 2:

Right-click on the selected column and click “copy”, or use the shortcut “Ctrl + C” (Windows) or “Cmd + C” (Mac).

Step 3:

Select the cell where you want to paste the column. For instance, if you want to paste the selected column next to the original one, select the cell in the next column.

Step 4:

Right-click on the cell and click “paste”, or use the shortcut “Ctrl + V” (Windows) or “Cmd + V” (Mac).

You have now copied the whole column with all the data and formatting.

Method 2: Dragging and Dropping Column

You can also copy a column by dragging and dropping it to a new location. The process is as follows:

Step 1:

Select the column you want to copy by clicking on the letter above it.

Step 2:

Place your mouse cursor on the border of the selected column (the cursor will change into a cross).

Step 3:

Click and hold down the left mouse button, and drag the column to the desired location. For instance, if you want to copy the column next to the original one, drag it to the next column, and release the mouse button.

The column will be copied, and you can further edit it in its new location.

Method 3: Using the Fill Handle

Excel has a feature called the Fill Handle that enables you to copy a column quickly. Follow these steps:

Step 1:

Select the column you want to copy by clicking on the letter above it.

Step 2:

Place your mouse cursor in the bottom-right corner of the selected cell until it changes into a cross (+).

Step 3:

Click and hold down the left mouse button, and drag the cursor down or across the cell range where you want to copy the column. Excel will automatically fill the selected cells with the same data in the copied column.

These are the three most common ways to copy a column in Excel. By using these methods, you can quickly transfer data between columns, or duplicate a column for future use. Remember to save your work frequently to avoid losing any unsaved data.

Copying Multiple Columns in Excel

If you need to copy multiple columns, the process is the same as copying a single column. To select multiple columns, click and drag your mouse pointer to multiple column letters, or hold down the “Ctrl” key while clicking each column you want to copy. Once you have multiple columns selected, you can use any of the methods mentioned earlier to copy and paste the columns.

Copying Hidden Rows or Columns

Sometimes, you may have hidden rows or columns that you want to copy. Follow these steps to copy hidden data:

Step 1:

Select the column(s) that contain the hidden rows or columns you want to copy.

Step 2:

Click on the “Home” tab on the Excel menu bar, and select “Format” in the “Cells” section.

Step 3:

Click on “Hide & Unhide” and click on “Unhide Rows” or “Unhide Columns” depending on what you want to copy.

Step 4:

Select the now unhidden row or column(s), and use any of the above methods to copy and paste the data.

Copying Columns with Formulas

If your columns include formulas, be aware that copying and pasting them may not copy the formulas correctly. By default, Excel will adjust the formula cell references to match the new location when you paste the formula. If you don’t want to change the cell references, use Paste Special:

Step 1:

Select the column you want to copy

Step 2:

Press “Ctrl+C” or right-click and select “Copy”

Step 3:

Select the cell where you want to paste, and right-click and select “Paste Special”

Step 4:

In the “Paste Special” window, choose “Values” or “Values and Number Formatting” to paste the cell content and formatting, but not the formula. If you want to copy the formula, choose “Formulas” or “Formulas and Number Formatting.”

Copying columns with formulas requires care, but with these steps, you can copy the formulas as you need them.

FAQs about Copying Columns in Excel

Here are some commonly-asked questions and their answers:

Q: Can I paste the copied column as a row instead?

A: Yes, you can paste the copied column as a row instead. After copying the column, right-click on the cell where you want to paste the data, select “Transpose” under “Paste Options,” and click “OK.” This will paste the column as a row.

Q: Can I copy a column with hidden data or formulas?

A: Yes, you can copy columns with hidden data or formulas. Just make sure to unhide the specific rows or columns before copying, using the steps mentioned earlier in this post.

Q: What if I only want to copy the column’s data?

A: To copy only the column’s data, without formatting or formulas, use the “paste special” function. After copying the column, right-click on the cell where you want to paste the data, select “Paste Special,” and select “Values” or “Values and Number Formatting.”

Q: How do I copy columns with merged cells?

A: If the column has merged cells, select the column and go to the “Home” tab on the Excel menu bar. Select “Merge & Center” and then select “Unmerge Cells.” Once you’ve unmerged the cells, you can follow any of the methods mentioned earlier to copy and paste the column.

Q: Can I copy columns between different Excel files?

A: Yes, you can copy columns between different Excel files. Simply open both files, select the column you want to copy, and use any of the methods mentioned earlier to copy and paste it to your desired location in the other file.