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How to add columns in Excel – 2 quick methods

Here's how you can add a single or multiple columns in Excel!
Christian Wait
Last Updated on

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

How to add columns in Excel – 2 quick methods
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Table of Contents

If you want to learn how to insert a column in Excel, then you’ve landed on the right page.

Spreadsheets make life so much easier for both businesses and members of the public. From managing inventory to keeping track of a monthly budget, Microsoft Excel really does, well, excel! Excel can be quite daunting for new users, however, and they can get confused about even the basic functions such as adding a new row or columns.

If you’re in the same boat, then we’re here to help you learn how you can add columns in Excel.

1

Using the Insert button

The easiest way to add a new column in Excel is by using the Insert button.

Step

1

Open your Excel sheet

First, open your Excel sheet in which you want to add a new column.

Step

2

Select a column

Select a column next to which you’d like to add the new one. Keep in mind that the new column will appear on the left side of the one you select.

Step

3

Click on Insert

Right-click on any cell within the selected column and select ‘Insert.’

Screenshot of an Excel spreadsheet with a right-click context menu open, showing options such as "cut" and "copy"; a red arrow points to the menu, illustrating how to add columns in Excel.
Insert option in Excel

Step

4

Add a new column

From the options that will appear on the screen, select ‘Entire column’ and click ‘OK.’

Screenshot of a dialog box demonstrating how to add columns in Excel, with options to shift cells right, down, insert entire row or column, and 'entire column' selected, including 'ok' and 'cancel' buttons.
Entire column option

Once done, a new column will be added to the sheet.

A spreadsheet displaying models and numerical data with names across the top, demonstrating how to add columns in Excel with a highlighted cell in column e row 5.
New column added

If you want to add multiple columns in Excel, simply select two or more columns before pressing right-click.

2

Using the Ribbon

Excel has a bunch of Ribbons that you can use, and one of them lets you quickly add a new column.

Step

1

Select a column

Open an Excel sheet and select a column.

Step

2

Click on the Ribbon

Now, go to the Home tab and click on the Insert Ribbon. Then, select ‘Insert Sheet Columns’, after which the new column will appear on the sheet.

Screenshot demonstrating how to add columns in Excel, with options to insert cells, insert sheet rows, and insert sheet columns highlighted by a red arrow pointing to them.
Insert Sheet Columns Ribbon in Excel

Conclusion

This was everything you needed to know about how to add Columns in Excel. As you can see for yourself, the process is pretty simple, and it will hardly take you a few seconds to insert a new row.

If you want to learn more about Excel and how it works, give these in-depth guides a read:

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About the Author

Christian Wait

Christian 'Reggie' Waits' is a contributor to PC Guide, having written a wide array of how to and buying guide content.