Microsoft Excel is no stranger to every office worker or business person. However, it is not rare that one makes an error while editing an Excel sheet. One of those common mistakes is to add an extra column to their Excel sheet, albeit inadvertently. In such a situation, the user would want to delete the column quickly and effortlessly, without losing any data from the other columns. In this blog post, we will go through a step-by-step process of deleting a column in an Excel sheet without losing any information.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Delete A Column in Excel Sheet
There are numerous reasons why one would need to delete a column in Excel. For instance, it is common for users to insert columns in their Excel sheets to make their data more concise and structured. However, it is equally common to make a mistake and add an extra column, which needs to be deleted promptly. Another reason is that when you are working with a large amount of data, the more precise your column structure is, the more efficiently you can handle your data. Therefore, it is essential to keep your Excel sheets neat and tidy by removing irrelevant columns from your data.
Method 1: Delete A Column Using the Contextual Menu (Right-clicking)
Right-clicking is a widely used function in Excel sheets. It can help you do multiple tasks quickly. Here is how to delete a column using the right-click function:
1. Besides the column you would like to delete, right-click the column letter.
2. Once the contextual menu appears, select the Delete option.
3. A dialogue box will appear, prompting you either to Shift Left or Shift Right; select the most appropriate option for you.
4. Hit the OK button.
Pros: Quick and efficient
Cons: It’s not suitable for deleting multiple columns at once.
Q1: Can I retrieve a deleted column?
A: No, you can’t retrieve a deleted column, so double-check before hitting that delete button.
Q2: Can I undo deleting a column?
A: Yes. You can undo the deletion by pressing Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac).
Method 2: Delete A Column Using the Ribbon
Another easy way to delete single and multiple columns is to use the Ribbon. Here is how you can do it:
1. Select the column you want to delete or highlight the multiple columns.
2. Go to the Home tab.
3. Click the Delete dropdown menu, which is located in the Cells group of the Home tab.
4. Select either Delete Columns or Delete Sheet Columns option.
It is worth noting that if you are deleting one single column in your Excel sheet, you should choose Delete column. However, if you are deleting multiple columns, then click Delete Sheet Columns as it will delete all the selected columns at once.
Pros: It’s suitable for deleting multiple columns at once.
Cons: It can be time-consuming if you only want to delete one column.
Q1: What happens if I choose the Delete column option while deleting multiple columns?
A: Excel will only delete the selected column and leave the remaining columns in the sheet.
Q2: How do I unhide a deleted column?
A: Go to the Home tab, and under the Cells group, click on the Format dropdown menu, and select Unhide Columns.
Method 3: Delete A Column Using The Keyboard Shortcut
If you prefer using your keyboard instead of the mouse, you can use a keyboard shortcut to delete a column in an Excel sheet. Here is how to do it:
1. Select the column you want to delete, or highlight the multiple columns.
2. Press and hold down Ctrl + Minus (-) key.
3. A dialogue box will appear, prompting you to either Shift Left or Shift Right. Choose the most appropriate option for you.
4. Hit the OK button.
Pros: It’s efficient and quick
Cons: It’s not recommended for beginners
Q1: Can I undo the deletion of a column using keyboard shortcuts?
A: Yes. You can undo the deletion by pressing Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac).
Q2: Can I use the keyboard shortcut for deleting multiple columns?
A: Yes. Just make sure you have highlighted the columns you want to delete before using the keyboard shortcut.
What to Do If You Can’t Delete A Column in Excel Sheet
In some situations, you may face the problem where you can’t delete a column from your Excel sheet. Here are some possible solutions to help you work around the problem:
1. Make sure that the sheet is not protected. If it is, you have to unprotect it first.
2. Check to see if the sheet contains formulas that are using the data from the column you want to delete. In that case, go to the formula tab and correct the formula or change its reference.
3. Ensure that you haven’t hidden the column instead of deleting it. If so, go to the Format dropdown of the Home tab and click on Unhide Columns.
Bonus Tip: Protect your Excel Sheet
Suppose you are working with sensitive data and don’t want anyone else to modify or delete any columns from your sheet. In that case, you can protect your Excel sheet. Here is how to do it:
1. Go to the Review tab.
2. Click the Protect Sheet option.
3. In the dialogue box, choose the options you prefer, e.g., select which cells or objects users can select.
4. Enter a password if you like and hit OK.
5 FAQs About Deleting a Column in Excel Sheet
Q1: Can I undo my action if I accidentally delete a column?
A: Yes. You can undo the deletion by pressing Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac).
Q2: What happens if I delete a column that contains unique data?
A: Once you delete a column that contains unique data, you won’t be able to retrieve it. Therefore, double-check before deleting any column.
Q3: What happens if I delete a column that is not empty?
A: When you delete a column with one or more cells that contain data, those cell values will be deleted. However, the remaining cells will shift their positions accordingly.
Q4: Is there any way to recover a deleted column?
A: Unfortunately, once you delete a column, you cannot retrieve it. Therefore, we recommend making a backup of your data.
Q5: Can I undo the deletion of a column if I saved the file?
A: No, you can’t undo the deletion of a column if you saved the file. Once you save a file, all the changes you made to the document are final.
Final Thoughts
Now, you know how to delete a column in an Excel sheet without losing any important data. Regardless of the method you choose, always make sure that you select the correct column, and verify it once again before deleting it. By doing so, you will avoid the risk of losing valuable data from your Excel sheet.