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Easy ways to title, label, or name columns in Microsoft Excel
Written byRain Kengly
Last Updated: February 26, 2024Fact Checked
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- Adding Column Headers |
- Changing Column Names to Numbers |
- Using Power Query |
- Video
You can create a column title in Microsoft Excel by inserting a new row at the top. Once it's created, you'll just need to double-click the cell and type in your label. Here's how to name a column in Excel.
Quick Steps
- Click a row number to highlight the entire row.
- Right-click the first cell and click Insert.
- Double-click the new cell and enter a name.
- Press Tab to enter a name for the next cell.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Adding Column Headers
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1
Open a workbook in Microsoft Excel. You can use an existing project or create a new spreadsheet. Make sure you're on the correct worksheet.
- Microsoft Excel is available on Windows and Mac. You can also use the online web version at https://www.office.com/.
2
Insert a new row for the names. If you want it at the very top of the page, click 1 on the left side of the spreadsheet to highlight the entire first row. Right-click the first cell, and click Insert. This will place a blank row above your data.[1]
- If you want the new row in another location, select the row number of the location. Right-click the first cell, and click Insert.
- If you already have a row for the names, skip to the next step.
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3
Double-click the first cell and enter a name. This will be the title of the first column.
4
Double-click the next cell and enter a name. You can also press Tab to skip to the next cell in the column. Repeat this for any remaining title cells.
- If you only have one column to name, skip this step.
- The headers at the top (letters A-Z) will not change since these are Excel’s way of keeping track of information within your document. However, when you type in a name for column A1, that will become the name for the rest of the “A” column.
- If you want to see the titles as you scroll down, do the following:
- Click View at the top.
- Click Freeze Panes.
- Click Freeze Top Row.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Changing Column Names to Numbers
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1
Open Microsoft Excel. You can use an existing project or create a new spreadsheet.
- Use this method if you want to turn the column names (letters A-Z) into numbers instead.
2
Select File and click Options. This will be at the bottom of the left panel.
- On Mac, you'll need to click Excel and then Preferences.
3
Click Formulas. This is in the left panel.
- On Mac, click General.
4
Check the box for "R1C1 reference style". This is underneath the Working with formulas header.
5
Click OK. This is at the bottom-right corner of the window.
- The header columns will change from letters to numbers.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Using Power Query
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1
Open the Power Query Editor. Power Query is an add-on you can use in Excel. This allows you to import data through other sources.[2]
2
Open a query. You can do this by using a previously loaded query in the Editor, or you can click a cell in the data, select Query, then click Edit.
3
Select the column you want to name. It will be highlighted.
4
Double-click the column header. This will allow you to rename it.
- You can also select Transform, then Rename at the top.
5
Enter the new column name. This will name the header.
- Keep in mind that renaming a column header won't rename the original data source header. If the original data source header changes, it can cause query errors.
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About This Article
Written by:
Rain Kengly
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain Kengly is a wikiHow Technology Writer. As a storytelling enthusiast with a penchant for technology, they hope to create long-lasting connections with readers from all around the globe. Rain graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Cinema. This article has been viewed 61,489 times.
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Co-authors: 3
Updated: February 26, 2024
Views:61,489
Categories: Microsoft Excel
Article SummaryX
1. Open your Excel document.
2. Double-click on the first box under the column you want to rename.
3. Type in the name you want and press enter.
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