How to Move Columns in Excel with Easy Methods

How to move columns in Excel is a common question asked by Excel users. In this user guide, you will be able to learn how to do it in a few simple steps.

Method 1 – Using the Shift key and Left mouse button

• Select the column you suppose to move from the table.

• Move your cursor to the edge of the column and a four arrow icon will appear.
• Press and hold the Shift key.
• Press and hold the left mouse button.
• Drag and move the column to the place you suppose to move the column.
• Release the Left mouse button when you see a bold line on the edge of the column where you suppose to shift the column.
• Finally, release the Shift key.

Method 2 – Cut and Insert

• Select the column.

• Right-click and select Cut.

• Select the column where you suppose to move the column. ( The column will be moved before the selected column )

• Right-click and select Insert Cut Cells.

• Finally, the Age column will move before the Name column.

Method 3 – Sort method to move columns in Excel

This method is more suitable to move columns in Excel for a table that has many columns.

• Add a new row before the first row of the table.
• Number the columns as the order after you move the column you suppose to move.

• Select all the content of the table.

• Visit the Data tab in the Menu and click on Sort.

• Click Options on the dialogue box that pops up. Then select Sort left to right and click OK.

• Select Row 1 from the Sort by drop-down menu list and click OK.

• Finally, delete Row 1.

Visit and read the previous tutorial to learn about How to split cells in Excel.