Can You Move a List of Values From Rows to Columns in Excel?
The process of moving individual cells in Excel is tedious when changing from rows to columns. Excel provides a way to transpose cells in just a few steps so you change any row into a column and vice versa. Any consecutive list of cells, either vertical or horizontal, can be copied and pasted as either a row or column.
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Save Time
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You could copy and paste each individual cell in order to convert a row into a column. The transpose feature requires approximately four steps, depending on whether you use keyboard shortcuts or not. Each cell you move or copy requires at least two steps. Taking advantage of the transpose feature saves valuable time while formatting Excel spreadsheets.
Using the Transpose Feature
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The transpose feature is only available when you use the Paste Special option when pasting text, and only when copying and pasting, not when cutting and pasting. Instead of just copying and pasting, copy then right-click the first cell in which you want to paste your data and select "Paste Special." Paste Special can also be accessed from the "Home" tab, under "Paste." Transpose is listed as one of the options within the Paste Special window.
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Clearing Space
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When you paste your row as a column, check to see if you have room on your spreadsheet. You will not be warned before your pasted column overwrites data in existing cells. For best results, paste your row in a blank column or at least count the number of cells in your row and desired column. Note that your copied or cut row cannot overlap in any way with your new column. This will result in an error message.
Other Options
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If your row as certain formatting or even formulas, use the Paste Special feature to select which components of your row you wish to keep. By default, "All" is selected, but you can choose to copy just formulas, values, formatting, row or column width, borders and more. For instance, if you only want to keep your borders on each cell, but no other formatting, selecting "Borders" would be easier than formatting the cells after pasting.
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