Excel COLUMN Function
Summary
The Excel COLUMN function returns the column number for a reference. For example, COLUMN(C5) returns 3, since C is the third column in the spreadsheet. When no reference is provided, COLUMN returns the column number of the cell which contains the formula.
Purpose
Get the column number of a reference.
Return value
A number representing the column.
Syntax
=COLUMN ([reference])
Arguments
- reference - [optional] A reference to a cell or range of cells.
Usage notes
Use reference to get column number of a reference.
- Reference can be a single cell address or a range of cells.
- Reference is optional and will default to the cell in which the COLUMN function exists.
- Reference cannot include multiple references or addresses.