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How To Rearrange and Swap Order of Columns in Google Sheets

Google Sheets allows you to easily rearrange and swap the order of columns in your spreadsheets. There are a few different methods you can use:

Drag and Drop Columns

The easiest way to rearrange columns is by selecting them and dragging them to a new position:

  1. Click on the column header(s) you want to move to select the column(s). You can select multiple columns by clicking and dragging.
  2. Hover your mouse over the edge of the selected column header until your mouse turns into a four-headed arrow.
  3. Click and drag the column(s) to the new location. A dark grey line will appear showing you where the column(s) will be inserted.
  4. Release your mouse to drop the column(s) into the new position.

This allows you to intuitively drag and drop columns to any location in your spreadsheet. The existing columns will shift accordingly.

Cut and Paste Columns

You can also use the traditional cut and paste method to move columns:

  1. Select the column(s) you want to move.
  2. Right click and choose “Cut” from the menu.
  3. Select the column to the right of where you want to paste.
  4. Right click and choose “Insert 1 left” to insert a blank column.
  5. Right click the new blank column and choose “Paste”.

This inserts the cut columns into the new position.

Keyboard Shortcuts

For quicker column rearranging, you can use these handy keyboard shortcuts:

  • Ctrl + X (Windows) or ⌘ + X (Mac): Cut selected columns
  • Ctrl + C (Windows) or ⌘ + C (Mac): Copy selected columns
  • Ctrl + Alt + ←/→ (Windows) or ⌘ + Option + ←/→ (Mac): Move selected columns left/right
  • Ctrl + V (Windows) or ⌘ + V (Mac): Paste columns

These shortcuts allow you to quickly cut, copy, paste and move columns without needing to use your mouse.

Swap Two Columns

To directly swap two adjacent columns:

  1. Select one of the columns
  2. Hold down Shift
  3. Select the other column you want to swap
  4. Right click and choose “Swap columns A and B”

This will instantly swap the two columns.

Reorder Columns in a Table

The steps above work for both regular spreadsheet data and formatted tables. But tables have an additional column reordering method:

  1. Click any cell in the table and go to Data > Edit columns
  2. Reorder columns by dragging column names in the popup box
  3. Click “Apply” to save changes

This gives you a simple drag-and-drop interface for rearranging table columns specifically.

Tips

  • Moving columns does not affect any data or formulas – everything gets shifted automatically.
  • You can also reorder rows using the exact same methods.
  • Use the column or row resize handles to change sizes if needed after moving.
  • Freeze columns you want locked in place that won’t move when rearranging.

Rearranging and swapping columns is fast and simple in Google Sheets. Master these methods to efficiently organize your spreadsheet data.

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