How to Insert Columns in Excel (2 Easy Step-By-Step Methods)

In this article, you will learn two simple ways to add columns in Excel workbooks.

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Method 1: Adding a column in Excel using the ‘Insert’ function

Step 1: Select the column (to the left of which you wish to add a new column)

Step 2: Right-click on the column header and select ‘Insert’

A column will be inserted to the left of the column selected in step 1.

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Method 2: Adding a column in Excel using Keyboard Shortcuts

Step 1: Select the column (to the left of which you wish to add a new column)

Step 2: Using the keyboard, press and hold the “CTRL” ("Command" if using a Mac), “SHIFT” and “+ ” keys

A column will be inserted to the left of the column selected in step 1.

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How do I quickly insert multiple columns in Excel?

Method 1: Adding multiple columns in Excel using the ‘Insert’ function

Step 1: The number of columns selected should be equal to the number of columns to be added to the left

For example: To add three columns to the left of column B, select columns B, C and D.

Step 2: Right-click on the column header and select ‘Insert’

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Method 2: Adding multiple columns in Excel using Keyboard Shortcuts

Step 1: Select the column (to the left of which you wish to add new columns)

Step 2: Press and hold “CTRL” ("Command" if using a Mac) and “SHIFT” keys and repeat pressing “+ ” key as many times as the number of columns to be added

For example: To add three columns to the left of column B, select column B and press and hold the “CTRL” ("Command" if using a Mac), “SHIFT” and “+" "+" "+ ” keys.

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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