How to Add Column in Excel
In this tutorial, you will learn how to add column in excel. The knowledge of how to insert a column in excel is needed when you want to slip in one or more empty vertical parts into your group of data.
Why do We Need to Understand How to Insert a New Column in Excel?
In the data processing on a spreadsheet file, sometimes we need to slip in one or more empty vertical parts. This is needed for various reasons. Maybe, previously, we forget to put in a vertical part between our data. Or probably there is a data processing that we forget to include among our data group. These needs and other kinds of similar needs might sometimes show up. To solve them, we need to slip in vertical parts in our data which we have inputted before in our sheet.
As an example of this need in our job, let’s say we do data processing for company products. To do the processing, first, we will do the input for all the product information variable names. All the variable names are planned to be inputted vertically in our sheet. However, in the middle of the input process, we might just remember that we forget to input one or more variable names. Because the order of the input for the variable names is quite important, we need to slip them between the other variable names that have been inputted. If we do not know how to do it, then we must redo the entire input process. Of course, that will take a lot of time and will be troublesome if we decide to do it this way.
To help to slip in these vertical parts, then you must understand at least one method of how to add column in excel. With this understanding, you can easily do the slip-in process. It can also be easier for you to do the management of the sheets’ vertical parts in your file.
What is How to Add Column in Excel?
How to add column in excel is a function used to slip in new vertical parts in a sheet. The new vertical parts are empty at first. So you can use them to input data or add the data processing that you need directly.
How to Insert New Column in Excel?
The following will explain three methods of how to create columns in excel. These three will produce similar results when used.
Method 1 - Insert Column Menu
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Highlight the places where you want to place your new entries on their left by clicking their coordinate letters above (Highlight as many as you need to insert by doing a drag)
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Click Insert in the Home tab
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Done!
Method 2 - Right-Click
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Highlight the places where you want to place your new entries on their left by clicking their coordinate letters above (Highlight as many as you need to insert by doing a drag)
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Right-click and choose Insert
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Done!
Method 3 - Shortcut Buttons
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Place your cursor on the cells where you want to add new entries on their left (Highlight cells in more than one columns. The amount of columns’ cells that you highlight should be as many as you need to insert)
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Press Ctrl + Space Bar (Control + Space Bar on Mac) buttons simultaneously
- Press Ctrl + Shift + + (Command + Shift + + on Mac) buttons simultaneously
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Done!
Exercise
After learning how to add column in excel using the three methods, now practice your understanding by doing this exercise. This is needed so you can sharpen your understanding of the methods of how to add column in excel!
Open a spreadsheet file and try to add some new columns in one of its sheets. Do it by practicing each of the three methods. What is the result? Can you do it?
Additional Note
The cell format of the new vertical parts will follow the cell formats on their left.
