Newbie needs help moving columns around.

  • Thread starter Thread starter linda99
  • Start date Start date
L

linda99

Hi - I am very new to Excel (97) and would like to know how to
switch colums around. e.g. I would like the 4th. column to be
where the lst. column is now, and have the 3rd. column where the
second one is now, etc. Can I respectfully ask the answers
to be in baby-steps, because right now even trying to follow
the dummies book is confusing me :(
 
linda99 said:
Hi - I am very new to Excel (97) and would like to know how to
switch colums around. e.g. I would like the 4th. column to be
where the lst. column is now, and have the 3rd. column where the
second one is now, etc. Can I respectfully ask the answers
to be in baby-steps, because right now even trying to follow
the dummies book is confusing me :(
Click to expand...

Select the column you want to move. For example, to move column D click on
the letter "D" at the top of the column.
Move the cursor so that it's pointing to the left or right edge of the
selected column, when the cursor will change from a cross to an arrow. Press
and hold down the left mouse button. With your other hand, hold down Shift
on the keyboard. Whilst you have these two buttons pressed, drag the mouse
to the left or right. You will see a vertical grey line that hops to the
edges of columns. When it is where you want the selected column to be,
release the mouse button. You can now release the Shift key.

Like most such explanations, this sounds FAR more complicated than it really
is! Put a few numbers or letters in a few columns and have a go, until you
are happy that you understand what is happening. You don't need to save the
workbook.
 
Here's one way:
Assuming you're talking about columns A:D, create a blank row at the top:
select row one somewhere, use Insert/Rows
Then type in the number of the column as the order you want them to appear.
That is, 2,4,3,1 in cells A1, B1, C1, D1.
Then use Data/Sort, click the Options button, click Sort Left to Right,
click OK, ensure it says "Row 1" in the top dropdown, then click OK.
Your columns have been sorted as you want. Now delete row 1: select the row,
use Edit/Delete.

Bob Umlas
Excel MVP
 
linda

I suggest you save the workbook first - in case you get this wrong!!

Right-click on the column header (ie for column D, click on the letter D at
the top of the column). This selects the whole column. From the right-click
menu, select Cut (with your left mouse button). Then select column A (by
clicking on the letter A) and from the right-click menu select (Insert Cut
Cells). This will paste in column D and move the rest to the right.

Andy.
 
Thank you SOOO much - your instructions were
very easy to follow and of course, it worked!!

I am going to be nervy and ask another question,
if I delete a whole line, ie line 3 how do I get
line 4 to become line 3, right now I end
up with an empty space.

Thanks again.
 
Linda

If you're talking about rows, right-click on the row to be deleted and left
click on Delete.

Andy.
 
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