Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool for organizing and analysing data, and knowing how to swap columns in Excel can help you better structure your information. Whether you’re reorganizing a dataset, fixing formatting issues, or improving readability, swapping columns is a simple yet essential skill.

In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through multiple ways to swap columns in Excel, with easy-to-follow steps and practical examples.

Why Swap Columns in Excel?

Swapping columns in Excel can help you:

  • Reorganize data for better readability
  • Prepare datasets for analysis or reporting
  • Maintain consistency in formatting
  • Improve workflow efficiency

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step methods to swap columns

Method 1: Drag and Drop to Swap Columns Easily

This method works best for small datasets when you need a fast way to move columns around.

Steps:

  1. You can open your Excel worksheet and find the columns you want to swap.
open excel worksheet swap column

Figure 1: Open your Excel

2. Click on the column header of the column you want to move (e.g., column B).

column header, want to move swap

Figure 2: Click the column Header

3. Hover over the border of the selected column until you see a four-sided arrow (move cursor).

four-sided arrow move cursor swap column in excel

Figure 3: four-sided arrow move cursor

4. Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard.

hold the shift key drag swap column

Figure 4: Hold the Shift key

5. Could you drag the column to its new position

drag the new position swap column in excel

Figure 5: Drag the new position

6 . Release the mouse button and then the Shift key. Your column will now be swapped with the existing column in that position.

release the shift key swap column in excel

Figure 6: Release the mouse button and shift key

Method 2: Cut and Insert (For Large Datasets)

For larger datasets, the cut and insert method ensures accuracy and prevents formatting issues.

Steps:

  1. Select the entire column you want to move by clicking on its header.
  2. Press Ctrl + X to cut the column.
  3. Click on the column header where you want to insert the cut column.
  4. Right-click and choose ‘Insert Cut Cells’ from the dropdown menu.

Conclusion

Swapping columns in Excel is a simple yet powerful technique to organize your data efficiently. Whether you use drag and drop, cut and insert, or sorting with a helper row, choosing the right method depends on your dataset size and workflow.

Do you use the Select Multiple Tabs in Excel for your reports? If so, let us know.