How to convert column letter to number in Excel

This tutorial demonstrates several methods for retrieving column numbers in Excel, utilizing formulas and automatic numbering techniques. Last week's focus was on converting column numbers to letters; this week reverses that process.

Several approaches are covered:

• Deriving Column Number from Letter: The formula COLUMN(INDIRECT("letter"&"1")) efficiently converts a column letter (e.g., "F") into its corresponding number. For multiple letters input in cells (e.g., A2:A7), use =COLUMN(INDIRECT(A2&"1")), dragging down for subsequent cells. This method leverages INDIRECT to create a cell reference from the letter, then uses COLUMN to extract the number.

• Non-Volatile Column Letter to Number Conversion: Because INDIRECT is a volatile function, impacting performance with widespread use, a non-volatile alternative is provided: MATCH("letter"&"1", ADDRESS(1, COLUMN($1:$1), 4), 0). For dynamic array Excel (365 and 2021), this works directly. Older versions require array formula entry (Ctrl Shift Enter). A non-array formula alternative, compatible across all Excel versions, is also given: =MATCH(A2&"1", INDEX(ADDRESS(1, INDEX(COLUMN($1:$1), ), 4), ), 0). This constructs a cell reference, generates an array of addresses ("A1","B1", etc.), and uses MATCH to find the position within the array.

• Custom Function for Column Number Conversion: For enhanced simplicity, a VBA custom function, ColumnNumber(col_letter As String), is introduced. This function directly returns the column number given a letter input. The formula =ColumnNumber(A2) demonstrates its usage.

• Retrieving Column Number of a Specific Cell: The COLUMN(cell_address) function (e.g., =COLUMN(B3)) directly returns the column number of a specified cell.

• Determining Column Number of the Current Cell: =COLUMN() (without arguments) returns the column number of the cell containing the formula.

• Automatic Column Number Display: Switching Excel's reference style to R1C1 (File > Options > Formulas > R1C1 reference style) displays column numbers directly instead of letters. Note that this affects all cell references.

• Manual Column Numbering: To retain the A1 reference style and add column numbers, manually enter numbers (1, 2, etc.) in the first row and use autofill to extend the sequence. Freezing the top row maintains visibility during scrolling.

A downloadable practice workbook is available. This comprehensive guide provides various methods to efficiently manage and display column numbers within Excel.

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