How to switch rows and columns in Excel
Excel is one of the most popular software in the world for managing data and information. It often happens that you need to reverse rows with columns, for example when you want to transpose a table or a list of data. In this article we will see how to reverse rows and columns in Excel. We will discover the steps to follow and some useful tricks to simplify the work and save time.
Method 1: Excel Transposition
Transposition is a simple and fast method to reverse rows and columns in Excel. This method works well for data that is organized regularly, such as a table.
How to use Excel Transposition?
Here are the steps to follow:
- Select the range of cells that you want to transpose. Make sure that row or column labels are included in the selected range.
- Right-click on the selected range and choose "Copy".
- Select an empty cell where you want to paste the transposed data.
- Right-click on the empty cell and choose "Transpose" from the drop-down menu.
- The data will now be pasted in the new location with rows becoming columns and vice versa.
Here's a practical example:
Example:Suppose we have a table listing the number of products sold each month by four different salespeople:
| Month | Salesperson A | Salesperson B | Salesperson C | Salesperson D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| February | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| March | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
We can use transposition to reverse the rows and columns so that the data is organized by salesperson instead of by month:
| January | February | March | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salesperson A | >10 | >12 | >8 |
| Salesperson B | >15 | >18 | >12 |
| Salesperson C | >20 | >24 | >16 |
| Salesperson D | >25 | >30 | >20 |
As you can see, transposition has reversed the rows and columns so that the data is organized by salesperson instead of by month.
Method 2: Excel Formulas
Another method to reverse rows and columns in Excel is to use formulas. This method can be useful if you want to keep the original data unchanged and create a new table with the inverted data.
Step 1:
Copy the data you want to reverse and paste it into a new workspace in Excel.
Step 2:
Create a new empty table where you will copy the reversed data. Select the first cell of the new table where you want the first reversed value to be inserted.
Step 3:
Use the INDEX and MATCH formula to retrieve values from your original workspace and place them in the new table with inverted rows and columns.
Example:- Suppose you have the original data in column A (from cell A1 to cell A10) and row 1 (from cell B1 to cell J1).
- Enter the following formula in cell B2 of your new table: =INDEX($A$1:$J$10,MATCH(B$1,$A$1:$A$10,0),MATCH($A2,$A$1:$J$1,0)).
- Copy this formula to all other cells in your new table.
The INDEX formula returns the value corresponding to the intersection of the two MATCH matches. The first MATCH match finds the correct row in your original workspace, while the second MATCH match finds the correct column.
Once you have copied all formulas, you should have a new table with data inverted compared to the original workspace.
Method 3: Copy and Paste Special
The third method for reversing rows and columns in Excel is using the "Copy and Paste Special" function. This method can be useful when you want to keep the format of the original table.
Step 1:
Select the data area you want to reverse. Right-click on the selected area and choose "Copy".
Step 2:
Choose the cell where you want to paste the reversed data. Right-click on the selected cell and choose "Paste Special".
Step 3:
In the "Paste Special" dialog box, select the "Transpose" option under the "Operations" section. Click "OK" to confirm.
There you go! You have now reversed rows and columns in your table without losing the original format.
- Advantages:
- Maintains the original format of the table.
- Disadvantages:
- May take more time than other methods.
- May not work properly if there are formulas or cell references in the original tables.
Final considerations
Reversing rows and columns in Excel may seem like a complex operation, but with the right tools and knowledge of software functions, it becomes easy and efficient. It is important to remember that reversing rows and columns can be useful in many work situations, such as creating tables or managing data.
To reverse rows and columns in Excel, there are several options available, including using the TRANSPOSE function or copying and pasting data. In addition, there are also external tools such as online conversion programs or Excel plugins that can further simplify this operation.
Always remember to be careful during the process of reversing rows and columns to avoid errors and data loss. In case of doubts or difficulties, it is possible to consult Excel's official guide or turn to industry experts.
- Always verify the results of the reversal before saving the data;
- Use external tools only if necessary and reliable;
- Maintain a copy of the original data for any future restorations.
In conclusion, learning how to reverse rows and columns in Excel can prove very useful for improving productivity at work. With this information and advice, you are ready to experiment with this function and achieve effective and precise results.
Don't waste any more time! Start using the row and column reversal function in Excel now to simplify your work!
Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.





