COLUMN function
COLUMN returns the column number of a cell: COLUMN(D1) is 4, and COLUMN() with nothing inside returns the column of the formula's own cell. Its most common job is supplying a changing column number to VLOOKUP or INDEX, so one formula can be filled across several columns.
- Available in
- Every current version
- Category
- Lookup functions
- Returns
- A column number, where column A is 1.
- Google Sheets
- Works the same way in Google Sheets.
Syntax
=COLUMN([reference])
| Argument | Required? | What it is |
|---|---|---|
reference | Optional | The cell to get the column number of. Leave it out to use the formula's own cell. |
Examples
Each result below is calculated from the sample sheet by our formula engine, the same one that grades the practice.
| Cell | Formula | Result | What it shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| F2 | =COLUMN() | 6 | The formula is in column F, the sixth column |
| F3 | =COLUMN(D1) | 4 | D is the fourth column |
| F4 | =VLOOKUP("C-7",$A$2:$D$2,COLUMN(C1),FALSE) | dana@example.com | COLUMN(C1) supplies 3, so VLOOKUP returns the email; filled right it becomes 4 and returns the phone |
Try it live
This is the sample sheet. Change any number or text, or edit a formula, and the results update.
Show the sample data as a table
| ID | Name | Phone | Result | ||
| C-7 | Dana Lee | dana@example.com | 555-0142 | 6 | |
| 4 | |||||
| dana@example.com |
Practice COLUMN
Graded instantly, then re-checked on changed data.
One formula, three months
B8, write one VLOOKUP that returns January units for the SKU in A8 and, filled right to D8, returns February and March. Use COLUMN to supply the column number.Common mistakes
| What you see | Why, and how to fix it |
|---|---|
| Using COLUMN to count columns | COLUMN returns a position, not a count. To count the columns in a range, use COLUMNS. |
| The number doesn't change when filled right | The reference inside COLUMN is locked, as in COLUMN($B1). Leave the column unlocked so B1 becomes C1, then D1, as you fill. |
Tips
- MATCH on the header row is sturdier than COLUMN when the columns of a lookup table might be reordered.
Questions
How do I get the column number of a column letter?
Point COLUMN at any cell in that column: =COLUMN(H1) returns 8.
What does COLUMN() return with no argument?
The column number of the cell that contains the formula, so in column C it returns 3.
Last reviewed October 2026. Every example result on this page is calculated live by the Spreadsheet Practice formula engine.