Adding new columns in Excel is a fundamental skill for anyone working with spreadsheets. Whether you’re organizing data, inserting calculations, or modifying your layout, knowing how to add columns in Excel helps streamline your workflow. This guide will show you the easiest ways to insert columns using the menu options and keyboard shortcuts across Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu.
📦 Why Add Columns in Excel?
You may need to insert a new column in Excel to:
- Add new data fields (e.g., Date, ID, Category)
- Insert formulas between existing data
- Organize large datasets
- Separate values or improve formatting
✅ Method 1: Add Columns Using Right-Click Menu (All Platforms)
- Select the column where you want to insert a new one.
- Right-click on the column header (e.g., column C).
- Click Insert.
This shifts the selected column (and those to the right) one space to the right.
✔ Works perfectly on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu/Linux (LibreOffice).
⌨️ Method 2: Keyboard Shortcuts to Add Columns
🪟 On Windows (Excel)
- Ctrl + Shift + “+” → Opens insert menu
- With a column selected:
- Press Ctrl + Space to highlight the column
- Then press Ctrl + Shift + “+” to insert a column
🍎 On macOS
- Cmd + Shift + K → Works in newer versions of Excel
- Alternative:
- Control + Space to select a column
- Then Cmd + Shift + “+”
🐧 On Ubuntu/Linux (LibreOffice Calc)
- Select the column with Ctrl + Space
- Press Ctrl + “+”
- Or right-click > Insert Columns Before
📝 LibreOffice does not always support Excel’s exact shortcuts but offers flexible right-click options.
📋 Shortcut Recap Table
| Action | Windows Excel | macOS Excel | Ubuntu (LibreOffice Calc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Select entire column | Ctrl + Space | Control + Space | Ctrl + Space |
| Insert column | Ctrl + Shift + “+” | Cmd + Shift + “+” / K | Ctrl + “+” or right-click |
🧠 Bonus Tip: Add Multiple Columns at Once
Want to insert multiple columns?
- Select the number of adjacent columns equal to what you want to insert.
- Right-click > Insert, or use the shortcut.
- Excel will insert the same number of new columns.
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
- New columns are inserted to the left of the selected column.
- Existing data will shift right automatically.
- Formulas adjust based on relative references—double-check after adding columns.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I insert a column in Excel Online?
Right-click the column header > Insert Column. Keyboard shortcuts are limited in the web version.
Can I add a column without shifting existing data?
No. Excel always shifts existing columns to make space. Use a new worksheet if needed.
Does this work for protected sheets?
Not unless editing is enabled. You must unprotect the sheet first.
How do I undo a column insert?
Press Ctrl + Z (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Z (macOS).
✅ Conclusion
Now you know how to add columns in Excel efficiently, no matter which system you’re on—Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu. Mastering this basic task improves your ability to structure and manipulate data with confidence.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
Advertisment