Excel ROWS and COLUMNS Functions with Examples
Last Updated :
21 Sep, 2023
In Microsoft Excel, where precision and efficiency reign supreme, mastering the art of maneuvering through cells and worksheets is indispensable. Two indispensable components in your Excel toolbox are the ROW and COLUMN functions, each meticulously crafted to execute discrete functions that can substantially facilitate your data analysis and manipulation endeavors. Within the confines of this article, we shall delve into the multifaceted capabilities of these functions and elucidate how they can seamlessly optimize your spreadsheet tasks. Whether you possess the seasoned prowess of an Excel virtuoso or are just embarking on your spreadsheet odyssey, comprehending the intrinsic attributes of the ROW and COLUMN functions represents an elemental stride in your journey toward Excel proficiency.
What is Excel ROWS and COLUMNS Functions
Excel’s Rows and Columns are like the building blocks of your spreadsheet. Think of columns as the vertical parts, and rows as the horizontal ones. Each cell, range of cells, or table in Excel is made up of these rows and columns. In simpler terms, when you look from top to bottom in Excel, you’re looking at columns. When you look from left to right, you’re looking at rows. To give you an idea of the vastness, there are 16,384 columns and 1,048,576 rows in a single Excel worksheet. It’s like a huge grid where you can place your data.
What is a Row in Excel
A row consists of cells arranged horizontally, and each row is uniquely identified by a number. In Excel, columns are labeled alphabetically, starting with A for the leftmost column.
What is a Column in Excel
A column is formed by cells stacked vertically, and each column is designated by a specific letter. The topmost row in Excel is numbered as 1, the row below it as 2, and so forth.
What is a Cell in Excel
A cell is created at the intersection of a row and a column. In Excel, cells are referred to by their column letter followed by the row number. For example, the cell at the top left corner is denoted as A1.
What is the difference between ROW and ROWS functions in Excel?
ROW Function: This particular function serves the purpose of extracting the precise row number linked to a designated cell or range. It can be applied with an optional reference argument that specifies the cell or range for which you intend to procure the row number.
For example, Employ the formula “=ROW(A54),” it will discreetly furnish the row number of cell A53, which discreetly stands at 53.
ROWS Function: The ROWS function discreetly undertakes the task of enumerating the rows nestled within a given range of cells. It simply demands a single argument – the range over which you clandestinely wish to compute the row count.
For instance, the formula “=ROWS(A10:A53)” will skillfully yield the tally of rows within the covertly specified range A10:A53, which slyly amounts to 43.
In conclusion, the ROW function adroitly targets the row number of a covertly chosen cell, while the ROWS function surreptitiously quantifies the rows existing within a selected cell range.
ROWS and COLUMNS Functions in Excel
It provides a numerical output, or in the case of multi-cell array formulas, a sequence of successive numbers. This functionality proves useful because it allows for the creation of formulas that need to be replicated vertically, horizontally, or in both directions in an efficient manner.
What is ROWS Function in Excel
The ROW Function has several Purposes:
Row Number for a Cell Reference: It returns the row number associated with a specified cell reference.
Current Row Number: It provides the row number of the cell where the function is placed within the worksheet.
Multiple Row Numbers: When used in an array formula, it can generate a series of row numbers corresponding to its locations.
What is COLUMN Functions in Excel
The COLUMN Function can be used for the following things:
Current Column Number: It furnishes the column number of the cell where the function is positioned within the worksheet.
Column Number for a Cell Reference: It returns the column number for a given cell reference.
In an Excel worksheet, rows are sequentially numbered from top to bottom, with the first row assigned number 1. Columns are numbered from left to right, starting with column A as the initial column.
Consequently, if applied, the ROW function would yield 1 for the first row, and for the final row, it would return the value, 1.048,576, which is the total number of rows available in an Excel worksheet.
How to Use ROW Function in Excel
The ROW( ) function basically returns the row number for reference.
Syntax:
=ROW([reference])
ROW Function Example
=ROW(G100); Returns 100 as output
as G100 is in the 100th row in the Excel sheet
If we write no argument inside the ROW( ) it will return the row number of the cell in which we have written the formula.
Here the following returns are achieved:
=ROW(A67) // Returns 67
=ROW(B4:H7) // Returns 4
What is ROWS Function
It is the extended version of the ROW function. ROWS function is used to return the number of rows in a cell range.
Syntax:
=ROWS([array])
How to use the ROWS formula in Excel
=ROWS(A2:A11) // Returns 10 as there are ten rows
It is important to note that writing the column name is trivial here. We can also write :
=ROWS(2:13) // Returns 12
What is COLUMN Function in Excel
The column function usually returns the column number of a reference. There are 16,384 columns in Excel from the 2007 version. It returns the value 1 to 16,384.
Syntax:
=COLUMN([reference])
COLUMN Function Example
=COLUMN(E20) // Returns 5 as output
as E is the fifth column in the Excel sheet
Last Column of Excel
Similar to the ROW function, the argument is not mandatory. If we don’t write any argument, it will return the index of the column in which the formula is written.
What is COLUMNS Function in Excel
It is the extended version of the COLUMN( ). It returns the number of columns for a given cell range.
Syntax:
=COLUMNS([array])
COLUMNS Function Example
=COLUMNS(B12:E12) // Returns 4 as output as
there are 4 columns in the given range
It is important to note that writing the row number is trivial here. We can also write :
=COLUMNS(B:E) // Returns 4
ROWS And COLUMNS Functions in Array Formulas
We can use the ROWS( ) and COLUMNS( ) in array formulas using SMALL( ), LARGE( ), VLOOKUP( ) functions in Excel.
Example : The smallest value is returned to the provided cell range.
The largest value is returned to the provided cell range.
Say, we need to find the number of days needed to complete Task number 5.
How to Use ROWS And COLUMNS Functions in Array Formulas
Step 1: Choose any cell and write the name of the Task
Step 2: Beside that cell write the Formula
=VLOOKUP($F$3,$A$3:$B$13,COLUMNS($A$3:$B$13),0)
F3 : Reference of the Task T-5
A3:B13 : Cell range of the entire table for VLOOKUP to search
Step 3: Press Enter
Now, it can be observed it returns 20 as output which is perfect as per the data set.
How to use the ROWS Function to count rows in Excel?
The ROWS Function is used as follows: ‘=ROWS(range)’. For example ‘=ROWS(A1:A10) will count the number of rows in the range A1:A10.
How to use the ROW Function to get the row number of a specific cell?
The ROW function returns the row number of a given cell. For example : ‘=ROW(A2)’ will return the row number of cell A2.
What are the limitations of using ROWS and COLUMNS functions?
Remember that using functions on a very large ranges could impact performance . Also, be cautions when using these functions in complex array formulas, as they may increase calculation times.
Similar Reads
Excel IF function With Examples
The IF function in Excel is one of the most powerful and commonly used formulas that allows you to perform logical tests and return different values based on whether the condition is true or false. If you’ve ever needed to check whether a value meets certain criteria, then the IF function is the too
12 min read
OFFSET Function in Excel With Examples
Excel contains many useful formulas and functions that make it more and more useful and at the same time user-friendly. Such a function is the OFFSET() function. In many cases, this function is also used inside another function. This function basically returns a reference of a single cell or a range
4 min read
SUMIF Function in Excel with Examples
The SUMIF function in Excel is a versatile tool that enables you to sum values based on specific criteria, such as a true or false condition. This feature makes it perfect for conditional summation tasks like totaling sales over a particular amount, adding up expenses in specific categories, or summ
7 min read
Excel Date Functions with Formula Examples
There are many functions in Microsoft Excel that may be used to work with dates and timings in Excel. Each function completes a straightforward task, but by combining numerous functions into a single formula, you may handle trickier and more complicated problems. The purpose of discussing DATE funct
12 min read
Statistical Functions in Excel With Examples
To begin with, statistical function in Excel let's first understand what is statistics and why we need it? So, statistics is a branch of sciences that can give a property to a sample. It deals with collecting, organizing, analyzing, and presenting the data. One of the great mathematicians Karl Pears
6 min read
How To Use MATCH Function in Excel (With Examples)
Finding the right data in large spreadsheets can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. This is where the MATCH function in Excel proves invaluable. The MATCH function helps you locate the position of a specific value within a row or column, making it a cornerstone of efficient data m
6 min read
Excel CHOOSE Function with Array
We often use the CHOOSE function in Excel to pick something from a list. In this article, we'll see how to use CHOOSE with a bunch of things (we call it an array) to do various stuff in Excel. This array can be either many cells we put into the function or many things we get from the function. What
5 min read
function command in Linux with examples
The function is a command in Linux that is used to create functions or methods. It is used to perform a specific task or a set of instructions. It allows users to create shortcuts for lengthy tasks making the command-line experience more efficient and convenient. The function can be created in the u
2 min read
How to Use Goal Seek in Excel with Examples: A Complete Guide
Excel Function Goal Seek : Quick StepsSet Up Your DataGo to Data Tab>>Select What-if-AnalysisFill Out the Goal Seek Dialog BoxRun Goal Seek>>Review the ResultsDo you find yourself stuck trying to solve “what-if†scenarios in Excel? Whether it’s calculating loan payments, determining sale
9 min read
Using CHOOSE Function along with VLOOKUP in Excel
In Excel, managing space is a very important point to consider. Now, let's suppose you are in a situation where you want to compare multiple columns in the Excel dataset, and you want to derive results, This is not possible using the VLOOKUP function alone. So, to make a function capable of doing so
2 min read