Excel Column Grouping

How to Use Column Grouping in Excel? (with Examples)

Example #1

Example #2

  • Step 1: We must first select columns B and C.

  • Step 2: Go to the “Data” option in the excel toolbarExcel ToolbarThe toolbar, also known as the quick access toolbar, is located on the left top-most side of the excel window and has only a few options by default, such as save, redo, and undo. Users can, however, customize it to their liking and add any option or button to make it easier to access the commands.read more and select the “Group” option in the outline toolbar, as shown below.

  • Step 3: Next, go to the option group and make the group of a column selected.

Now, we can see the two minus signs; two groups are created in a particular spreadsheet that we want to group.

  • We must select the data first that we are using to group the column in Excel. Then, go to the “Data” option in the Excel toolbar and select the “Group” option in the “Outline” toolbar, as shown in the below screenshot. When we click on the “Group,” it will enable us to group the particular column in the Excel spreadsheet. As shown below in the screenshot, the minus sign symbol is added to the outline above the selected columns. When we hide columns C and D in a spreadsheet, it is the result. It automatically enables the grouping option in the spreadsheet.

When we hide columns C and D in a spreadsheet, it is the result. It automatically enables the grouping option in the spreadsheet.

How to Hide or Unhide the Group Column?

  • Step 1: First, We must click on the created minus sign while grouping the column.

  • Step 2: When we click on the minus sign, a column will collapse, resulting in the hide in a column.

  • Step 3: Once we click on the minus sign, it automatically shows the plus sign, which means that if we want to unhide the column, click on the plus sign to unhide the columns.Step 4: We can likewise utilize the small numbers in the upper left corner. They let us cover up and unhide all groupings of a similar dimension without a moment’s delay. For instance, in the table on the screen capture, clicking on 2 will conceal columns B and D. This is particularly helpful if we made a progressive collection system. Likewise, clicking on 3 will unhide or hide columns C and D.

Shortcut Keys to Hide or Unhide Column Grouping in Excel

  • Step 1: First, we must select the data. Then, press the Shortcut Excel KeysShortcut Excel KeysAn Excel shortcut is a technique of performing a manual task in a quicker way.read more – Shift + Alt + right arrow. We may see the dialog box in the Excel spreadsheet as follows:

  • Step 2: Select the radio button on a column to hide the columns in excelHide The Columns In ExcelThe methods to hide columns in excel are - hide columns using right-click option, hide columns using shortcut cut key, hide columns using column width, hide columns using VBA code.read more.

  • Step 3: Click on the “OK.” Now, we can hide and unhide the columns in excelUnhide The Columns In ExcelUsing the Home tab of the Excel ribbon, using the shortcut key, using the context menu, altering the column width, using the ctrl+G (go to) command, and using the ctrl+F (find) command are some of the ways to unhide a column in Excel.read more.

Why you should use the Excel Column Grouping

  • To effectively expand and contract the section or areas of a worksheet.To limit schedules or side estimations that different users probably would not require while working in Excel worksheets.To keep data composed and in an organized structure.To make new sheets (tabs) as a substitute. It is a better option than hiding cells.It is a better function as compared to hiding the column function.It helps to set up the grouping level.

Why you should not use the Excel Column Grouping

  • We would not be able to make a group of cells that are not adjacent.If we manage different worksheets and need to assemble similar lines/columns on numerous worksheets in the meantime, it is impossible to use this function.We always need to check that the data is in a sorted form.We always need to check while grouping the column in Excel to select the correct column that needs to group.

Things to Remember

  • We would not be able to add the calculated items to grouped fields in the Excel spreadsheet.It is impractical to choose a few non-nearby columns.Clicking on the minus icon may hide the column, and the icon may change to the plus sign letting us instantly unhide the data.We can select the range and press “Shift + Alt + left arrow” to remove the grouping from the Excel spreadsheet.

This article is a guide to Group Columns in Excel. We discuss using group Excel columns, examples, and downloadable Excel templates here. You may also look at these useful functions in Excel: –

  • Excel Move ColumnsColumn Lock in ExcelFreeze Columns in ExcelGroup Excel Worksheets