COLUMNS Function in Excel: Syntax, Examples & Practice
Learn the Excel COLUMNS function: Returns the number of columns in a range. Try focused practice and download a free workbook.
Syntax
=COLUMNS(array)
Check the function documentation for your Excel version and platform. The browser simulator implements selected behavior and does not reproduce every Excel feature.
Worked example
| Row | A: Employee | B: Value | C: Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Amit | 45000 | Active |
| 3 | Priya | 62000 | Active |
| 4 | Ravi | 38000 | Closed |
| 5 | Neha | 55000 | Active |
=COLUMNS(A1:F1)
Expected result: 6
This compact MIS-style table is prepared for COLUMNS. Read the headers before building the formula.
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Practice COLUMNS · Download practice .xlsx
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Questions and answers
How can I practise COLUMNS?
Use the focused ten-question COLUMNS lab, then download its workbook for ten additional function-specific tasks and an answer key. Core learning works without an account.
Which Excel version supports COLUMNS?
Check the function documentation for your Excel version and platform. The browser simulator implements selected behavior and does not reproduce every Excel feature.
Does the browser simulator replace Microsoft Excel?
No. It supports a selected set of formula behavior for practice. Native workbook recalculation, full function compatibility, PivotTables and external data features must be checked in your own Excel installation.
Interactive practice runs in your browser.