If you don’t need something at the moment, you should keep it out of the way. The same principles apply when working with spreadsheets. If you don’t need a column, you should keep it out of the way.
This article will discuss four methods of hiding columns.
4 methods of hiding columns in Excel:
- Hiding columns as a group
- Hiding individual columns
- Hiding multiple columns
- Hiding non-adjacent columns
Let us begin.
Method #1: Hiding Columns as a Group
This method gives better control over columns. However, the columns must be adjacent to each other. To hide columns as a group, follow the steps given below.
Step #1: Select the columns
Click and hold the header of one of the columns you wish to hide.
Next, drag the cursor over the other column headers you would like to include in the group.
In our example, we select columns C and D.
Step #2: Group the columns
Click on the Data tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
Select the Group icon from the Outline section in the new ribbon.
Step #3: Hide the Columns
You should now see a small range at the top of the grouped columns – the columns you selected.
Click the Subtraction sign at the end of this range.
This action will keep the group of columns out of view.
On your spreadsheet, You will see a thick line in place of the columns.
You should also see a Plus sign.
Click the Plus sign to unhide the hidden columns.
Method #2: Hiding Individual Columns
This method works for hiding a single column. To hide a single column, follow the steps given below.
Step #1: Select the column
Click on the header of the column you want to hide.
In our example, it is column C.
Step #2: Hide the column
Right-click on the selected column.
A pop-up menu will appear.
Click on the Hide option in the menu.
Or
Go to the Home tab and click on Format.
This action will give you a dropdown menu.
Select Hide & Unhide from this menu.
A new submenu will appear.
Finally, select Hide Columns.
This action should remove the selected column from view, and you will see a thick line in its place.
Method #3: Hiding multiple columns
This method applies when you wish to hide adjacent columns.
Step #1: Select the columns
Click and hold the header of one of the columns you wish to hide.
Next, drag the cursor over the other column headers you would like to hide.
In our example, we select columns C and D.
Step #2: Hide the columns
Right-click on the selected area.
A pop-up menu will appear.
Click on the Hide option in the menu.
Or
Go to the Home tab and click on Format.
This action will give you a dropdown menu.
Select Hide & Unhide from this menu.
A new submenu will appear.
Finally, select Hide Columns.
This action should remove the selected columns from view, and you will see a thick line in their place.
Method #4: Hiding non-adjacent columns
The other methods work with single columns or columns adjacent to each other. In comparison, this method works when the columns are not beside each other. Follow the steps below to hide non-adjacent columns.
Step #1: Select the columns
Press and hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard.
Click the headers of the columns you would like to hide.
In our example, we selected columns B and D.
Step #2: Hide the columns
Right-click on the selected area.
A pop-up menu will appear.
Click on the Hide option in this menu.
Or
Go to the Home tab and click on Format.
This action will give you a dropdown menu.
Select Hide & Unhide from this menu.
A new submenu will appear.
Finally, select Hide Columns.
This action should remove the selected columns from view, and you will see thick lines in their place.
Conclusion
You become more productive when you keep your spreadsheet clutter-free. Hiding columns will help you become more efficient and give you more space on your screen to view the data you need to work with.
Learn the methods listed in this article to hide the unwanted columns.