# COLUMN Function

The COLUMN function is one of the lookup and reference functions. It is used to return the column number of a cell.

The COLUMN function syntax is:

COLUMN([reference])

where reference is a reference to a cell.

Note: reference is an optional argument. If it is omitted, the function will return the column number of a cell selected to display the COLUMN function result.

To apply the COLUMN function,

1. select the cell where you wish to display the result,
2. click the Insert function icon situated at the top toolbar,
   or right-click within a selected cell and select the Insert Function option from the menu,
   or click the icon situated at the formula bar,
3. select the Lookup and Reference function group from the list,
4. click the COLUMN function,
5. enter the required argument,
6. press the Enter button.

The result will be displayed in the selected cell.