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Excel COLUMNS function

Author: Sun Last Modified: 2024-10-09
doc columns function 1

Description

Syntax and Arguments

Usage and Examples

Description

The COLUMNS function returns the total number of columns in a given array or reference. For example, COLUMNS(A1:D4) returns 4.

Syntax and arguments

Formula syntax

=COLUMNS(array)

Arguments

  • Array: Required. It’s an array or an array formula or a reference of a range of cells which you want to count the total number of columns.

Return Value

The COLUMNS function returns the number of columns in an array or reference.

Usage and Examples

With the COLUMNS function you not only can count the numbers of a range, but also solve other jobs.

Example1: Count total number of columns in a range

Formula1

=COLUMNS(A1:D1)

Explain: Count the total number of columns in the range of A1:D1

Result:4

Formula2

=COLUMNS(DATA)

Explain: Count the total number of columns in the defined name range of “DATA” (range A1:D10)

Result: 4
doc columns function 2

Example2: Count total number of cells in a range

With combining the ROWS function and the COLUMNS function, you can obtain the total number of cells in a given range.

Formula

=ROWS(DATA)*COLUMNS(DATA)

Explain:

Data: the defined name which you want to count the total number of cells.

ROWS: return the total number of rows from the given reference

Result: 40
doc columns function 3

Example3: Obtain the last cell address of a given range

Formula

=ADDRESS(ROWS(DATA),COLUMNS(DATA))

Explain:

ADDRESS(row_num,column_num): returns the cell address based on the given row number and column number.

ROWS(): returns the total number of rows.

COLUMNS(): returns the total number of columns.

Then the formula shown as this:

=ADDRESS(10,4)

Result: $D$10
doc columns function 4

Sample File
doc sample file

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