Reversing the order of columns in Excel can be useful for sorting your data in a different way or formatting it for other purposes. Swapping two columns essentially reverses their position on the sheet. There are a few easy ways to accomplish both of these tasks in Excel.
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Using the Cut and Paste Method
One of the quickest ways to reverse two columns in Excel is by using the cut and paste functions:
- Select the first column you want to move by clicking on the column header. This will highlight the entire column.
- Cut the column by right-clicking the selected column and choosing “Cut” from the menu or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + X. This removes the column but keeps it stored on your clipboard.
- Select the cell to the right of where you want to paste the cut column. For example, if you want to swap Column A and Column B, click on the header for Column B.
- Paste the cut column into position by right-clicking and selecting “Paste” or using Ctrl + V. The column you cut will now be inserted where your cell was selected, effectively swapping the two columns.
This method works well for quickly reordering two columns next to each other. The same process can be used to move a column anywhere else on the sheet.
Using the Drag and Drop Method
You can also reverse the order of two columns by dragging one and dropping it into the new position:
- Select the column header of the column you want to move.
- Drag the header to the new position. Two black arrows will appear showing you where the column will go when dropped.
- Drop the column header into place by releasing the mouse button. The column will snap into its new position, swapping places with the column that was originally there.
The drag and drop method gives you a visual guide as you reorder columns. It can be faster than cutting and pasting once you get used to it.
Reversing the Sort Order of a Column
In addition to swapping the physical position of columns, you may sometimes need to reverse the order of the data within a column. Here is how to do it:
- Select the column you want to reverse by clicking the header at the top.
- Go to the Data tab and click Sort.
- In the Sort dialog box, select the column you want to sort under “Column”.
- Change the Order to Z to A or select Largest to Smallest for numbers.
- Toggle Header Row at the top if you have headers you want to keep in place.
- Click OK.
This will reverse the order of the rows in that column while keeping everything else intact. You can combine this with swapping columns to reorder your data however you need.
Additional Notes
- To select entire rows instead of just one column, click on the row number instead of the header.
- You can cut, copy, and paste entire rows just like columns.
- Make sure you don’t accidentally overwrite data you want to keep when cutting and pasting.
- When dragging, if you hold Ctrl while dropping, the column will make a copy instead of just moving.
- Sorting columns takes less steps than fully rearranging but doesn’t change positions.
Reordering columns in Excel is simple once you know these basic tricks. Play around with cutting, pasting, dragging and sorting until the data is structured how you want. Proper formatting and layout helps make your workbooks easier to analyze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about reversing and swapping columns in Excel:
How do I quickly switch Column A and Column B?
Click on the header for Column A to select the entire column. Press Ctrl + X to cut the column. Then click on the Column B header, and press Ctrl + V to paste Column A into Column B’s spot. Column A is now in Column B’s original place and vice versa.
What’s the easiest way to reverse a column of numbers?
The Sort feature is simplest. Just select the column, open the Sort menu under the Data tab, choose to sort by that column in Z to A or Largest to Smallest order, and click OK. No need to copy and paste the actual values around.
Can I reverse the order of rows instead of columns?
Absolutely. All the same methods work. Instead of selecting column headers, select the row numbers on the left side to cut, copy, paste, drag or sort full rows. The processes are identical.
How do I swap more than two columns at once?
It’s best to stick to reordering two columns at a time when swapping. But you can select and drag multiple column headers to move a whole range in one step. Just be careful not to overwrite any data accidentally.
Is there a faster way than manually dragging when reordering many columns?
Use the Cut and Paste method instead. Select the columns you want to move, Ctrl + X to cut them, select where you want them pasted, and press Ctrl + V. This avoids all the clicking and dragging.
