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COLUMNS
A medium size formula for counting how many columns are in a range or array.
Syntax
=COLUMNS(...)Step-by-step explanation
- 1Understand the job that COLUMNS solves before you type the formula.
- 2Build or select the cells and ranges that COLUMNS needs before typing it.
- 3Check the output and refine the range or criteria if needed.
Common mistakes
Using it when row count is the real issue
Confusing column count with column letters
Forgetting that a single cell counts as one column
Example table
A quick scenario to connect the syntax to the result.
| 12 | 18 |
| 8 | 68 |
Formula
=COLUMNS(A1:B2)
Result
68
Worked example
- 1Read the sample data first so you know what the formula needs to solve.
- 2Enter =COLUMNS(A1:B2) in the result cell and press Enter.
- 3Check that the output matches 68.
Practice area
Use COLUMNS when you need to know the width of a table or array.
Match against the syntax block above.