What is COLUMNS function in Excel?
The COLUMNS function is one of the Lookup & reference functions of Excel.
It Returns the number of columns in an array or reference.
We can find this function in Lookup & reference of insert function Tab.
How to use COLUMNS function in excel
- Click on an empty cell (like F5 ).

2. Click on the fx icon (or press shift+F3).

3. In the insert function tab you will see all functions.

4. Select Lookup & reference category.
5. Select COLUMNS function.
6. Then select ok.

7. In the function arguments Tab, you will see COLUMNS function.
8. Array is an array or array formula, or a reference to a range of cells for which you want the number of columns.
9. For example If you click on A4:G4 , see result= 7.

10. or If you click on A4, see result= 1

11. You will see the result in the formula result section
Examples of COLUMNS function in excel

COLUMNS related functions
- COLUMN function
- ROW function
- ROWS function
- FILTER function