excel functions

MS Excel: COLUMNS Function (WS)

This Excel tutorial explains how to use the Excel COLUMNS function with syntax and examples.


The Microsoft Excel COLUMNS function returns the number of columns in a cell reference.


The syntax for the COLUMNS function in Microsoft Excel is:

COLUMNS( reference )

Parameters or Arguments

A reference to a range of cells or an array.

Applies To

The COLUMNS function can be used in the following versions of Microsoft Excel:


Type of Excel Function

The COLUMNS function can be used in Microsoft Excel as the following type of function:

  • Worksheet function (WS)

Example (as Worksheet Function)

Let's look at some Excel COLUMNS function examples and explore how to use the COLUMNS function as a worksheet function in Microsoft Excel:

Result: 1

Result: 2

Result: 2

Result: 4

You can also defined a named range called suppliers that refers to Sheet1!$A$1:$C$8.

Microsoft Excel

Then using the COLUMNS function, you could refer to this named range as follows:

Result: 3