Switch Rows and Columns in Google Sheets: Explained

In this article, you will learn how to transpose rows and columns by Paste Special in Google Sheets. You can also use the TRANSPOSE function to switch rows and columns. This function is helpful when you want to interchange rows and columns for your data set (e.g., turning a landscape table into a portrait one and vice versa).

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How to use the Paste Special to interchange rows and columns

1. Select a range or an array you want to transpose.
2. Press “Ctrl”+”C” (for Windows) or “⌘”+“C” (for Mac)  to copy the selected range.
3. Navigate to a cell from which you want to spread the transposed range.
4. Right-click → “Paste special” → “Transposed”.

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Here is an example. Assume you want to transpose the portrait monthly revenue data for the six months.

Steps 1 to 4

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Outcome

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As you can see, all formatting and values of the selected range are copied to a new location. 

So, if you want to copy value only, take the step to transpose everything first. Then copy the transposed range and paste it somewhere else with the “value only” option.

Also, note that the transposed data is not tied to the original data anymore; when you make any changes in the initial data, the changes are not reflected in the transposed range. In this regard, as a transposed range by the TRANSPOSE function is dynamic - linked to the original data source - consider using the function if you want to keep transposed content live.

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How do you group and ungroup rows and columns in Google Sheets?

Check this article: How to Group Rows and Columns in Google Sheets to learn how to group and ungroup rows and columns.