Grouping and Ungrouping Columns in Excel (Easy Guide)
In this article, you will be introduced to a simple method to group columns and remove grouping for columns in excel.
Why do columns need to be grouped in Excel?
Collapsing columns in Excel can be helpful for several reasons:
Organizing data: Grouping columns allows you to visually organize your data in a more manageable and structured way. For example, you may group several columns together to represent a specific category or theme, such as financial information or employee data.
Hiding columns: Collapsing columns can also be useful for hiding specific columns that you don't want to display at the moment. By grouping those columns together, you can easily hide or unhide the entire group with a single click, instead of individually hiding each column.
Grouping columns in Excel (Step-by-step guide with pictures)
Step 1: Select the columns that you wish to group
Learn how to easily select multiple adjacent columns in Excel here: How to Select Multiple Columns in Excel
Step 2: Select the ‘Data’ ribbon on the Excel toolbar
Step 3: Click on the ‘Outline’ tab and select the ‘Group’ option
The columns selected in step 1 will be grouped as shown below.
The “-” sign and “+” sign will help you collapse and expand the grouped columns. Alternatively, the “1” and “2” signs on the top of the column header section can also be used to collapse and expand the grouped columns.
Note: The above steps can also be performed using keyboard shortcuts on Windows as follows:
Step 1: Select the columns that you wish to group
Learn how to easily select multiple adjacent columns in Excel here: How to Select Multiple Columns in Excel
Step 2: Press on the “ALT” + “A” + “G” + “G” keys. Alternatively, you can press and hold the “SHIFT” + “ALT” + “Right Arrow” keys.
The columns selected in step 1 will be grouped.
Ungrouping columns in Excel (Picture tutorial)
Step 1: Select the grouped columns that you wish to ungroup
Learn how to easily select multiple adjacent columns in Excel here: How to Select Multiple Columns in Excel
Step 2: Select the ‘Data’ ribbon on the Excel toolbar
Step 3: Click on the ‘Outline’ tab and select the ‘Ungroup’ option as shown below
The columns selected in step 1 will be ungrouped.
Note: The above steps can also be performed using keyboard shortcuts on Windows as follows:
Step 1: Select the grouped columns whose grouping you wish to remove
Learn how to easily select multiple adjacent columns in Excel here: How to Select Multiple Columns in Excel
Step 2: Press on the “ALT” + “A” + “ZO” + “U” + “U” keys. Alternatively, you can press and hold the “SHIFT” + “ALT” + “Left Arrow” keys.
The columns selected in step 1 will be ungrouped.
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You can learn about other Excel and Google Sheets formulas and tips that are not mentioned here on this page: LiveFlow‘s How to Guides
