3 Ways to Swap Columns in Excel (Fast)

Reordering columns is common during data cleaning and reporting. These are the 3 fastest methods.

Method 1 — Cut & Insert Cells (Most Precise)

Best when you want exact placement.

1. Select the entire column
2. Press Ctrl + X (Cut)
3. Click the column you want it placed to the left of
4. Right click → Insert Cut Cells

The column moves directly into that position.

Method 2 — Shift Key + Drag (Fastest)

Best for quick manual reordering.

1. Select the column
2. Hold Shift
3. Drag the column left or right
4. Release when you see the vertical insertion line

Excel inserts the column at that spot.

Method 3 — SORTBY Function (Dynamic Order)

Best when you want column order to change automatically based on logic.

Use when columns should be rearranged based on a rule (e.g., sort months, metrics, priority).

Example:

=SORTBY(A1:F100, A1:F1, 1)

• A1:F100 → your data
• A1:F1 → header row (used to determine order)
• 1 → ascending order

This doesn’t move columns physically. It creates a reordered view of the data that updates automatically.

When to Use Each

Summary

• Cut & Insert = precise and safe
• Shift + Drag = quickest manual method
• SORTBY = dynamic, automated column order