Adding columns to your Google Sheets spreadsheet is a basic but essential skill for organizing data. Whether you need to insert a single column for new data or add dozens of columns at once, Google Sheets provides several quick methods. This guide covers all the ways to add columns, including keyboard shortcuts and mobile app instructions.
1Add Column via Right-Click (Fastest Method)
The quickest way to add a column in Google Sheets is using the right-click context menu. This works on any computer with a mouse.
Steps
- 1Open your Google Sheet in a web browser.
- 2Click on the column header letter (A, B, C, etc.) next to where you want the new column.
- 3Right-click on the selected column header.
- 4Select "Insert 1 column left" or "Insert 1 column right".
Pro Tip: Make sure you click on the column letter (header), not just a cell within the column. Clicking the header selects the entire column and gives you the column-specific options.
3Keyboard Shortcuts
For power users, keyboard shortcuts are the fastest way to add columns without lifting your hands from the keyboard.
| Action | Windows / ChromeOS | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Select entire column | Ctrl + Space | ⌘ + Space |
| Insert column left | Ctrl + Alt + = | Ctrl + Option + I, then C |
| Insert column right | Alt + I, then C, then O | Ctrl + Option + I, then O |
| View all shortcuts | Ctrl + / | ⌘ + / |
Pro Tip: First select the entire column (Ctrl/⌘ + Space) before using the insert shortcut. If you only have a cell selected, Google Sheets will open the "Insert cells" dialog instead of adding a full column.
4Add Multiple Columns at Once
Need to add several columns at once? Google Sheets makes it easy to insert multiple columns simultaneously.
Steps to Insert Multiple Columns
- 1Click on the first column header where you want to start.
- 2Hold Shift and click on the last column header to select multiple columns (e.g., select A through E to insert 5 columns).
- 3Right-click on any selected column header.
- 4Select "Insert X columns left" or "Insert X columns right" (where X is the number of columns you selected).
The number of new columns inserted matches the number of columns you have selected. Select 5 columns to insert 5 new columns, or select 10 to insert 10.
5Add 100 Columns Quickly
For large datasets that need many columns at once, use the built-in "Add more columns" feature at the edge of your spreadsheet.
Easiest Method
- 1Scroll to the far right of your spreadsheet (past the last column with data).
- 2Look for the prompt that says "Add more columns on the right".
- 3Enter 100 (or any number you need) in the input field.
- 4Click Add to instantly add that many columns.
Pro Tip: Google Sheets supports a maximum of 18,278 columns (up to column ZZZ). Large spreadsheets may slow down performance.
6Add Columns on Mobile
The Google Sheets mobile app allows you to add columns while on the go.
Android & iOS
- 1. Open your spreadsheet in the Google Sheets app.
- 2. Tap on a column header letter to select the entire column.
- 3. Tap the column header again to bring up the menu.
- 4. Select "Insert" from the options.
- 5. Choose "Column left" or "Column right".
Alternative Method
- 1. Tap any cell in the adjacent column.
- 2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top right.
- 3. Select "Insert".
- 4. Tap "Column left" or "Column right".
7Delete Columns
To remove columns you no longer need:
- 1Click on the column header letter to select the column.
- 2Right-click on the selected column header.
- 3Select "Delete column".
Keyboard shortcut to delete: Select the column (Ctrl/⌘ + Space), then press Ctrl + Alt + - (Windows) or Ctrl + Option + - (Mac).