As important as it is to know how to add columns to your spreadsheets, you will also need to delete those that are no longer required. This Excel tutorial is going to teach you exactly how to remove columns easily. The first thing to do is highlight the ones you wish to delete. You can hold the mouse down while moving it across those you want to select.
There are three ways that columns can be deleted and we are going to discuss each of them. Excel will color the columns you have selected, so make sure that you are only deleting those you need removed.
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Instant Deletion
Columns can be deleted instantaneously if you have highlighted the columns themselves. Simply right-click on any selected column and a small window will pop up. Click on Delete and your columns will disappear as instructed.
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Delete Dialog Box
If you have selected horizontal cells instead of the columns, then you will be able to delete your columns via the Delete dialog box. Simply right-click within the highlighted cells and your shortcut menu will appear. Choose Delete and another window will materialize. Select the Entire Column option and press OK at the bottom of the dialog box. Excel will remove your columns for you immediately.
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Delete Drop-down Menu
In the Cells box found on in the Home tab of your Excel toolbar; there are three options for you to Insert, Delete or Format. Click on the arrow underneath Delete to utilize the drop-down menu. You will be offered the choice of deleting rows, cells, columns or sheets. Select Delete Sheet Columns and the highlighted ones will instantly vanish.
Now that you know how to delete excess columns from your spreadsheet, you will be able to maintain a clutter-free working environment. You are also able to delete rows that are no longer needed. This is far easier than copying data and formulas in order to fill gaps between fields; and will save a great deal of time on unnecessary labor.
It was suggested that we write this article for you by several of our Excel training course students from the greater South Florida area; simply because it is an essential basic of working with spreadsheets. To learn Excel the easy way, feel free to watch our Excel video tutorials to get an insight into how Excel can work to your advantage.
