ReferenceFunctionsLookup Functions

COLUMNS

Returns the number of columns in a reference or array.

Summary

COLUMNS reports width, not data density.

Remarks

For a single cell reference, returns 1.
For full-row references (for example 1:1), returns 16384.
For array literals, returns the first row width.
Invalid references return an error.

Examples

Count columns in a rectangular range

Grid

Cell	Value
No inputs on Sheet1.

Formula

=

Result

Not evaluated yet.

Expected

3

Count columns in a full row reference

Grid

Cell	Value
No inputs on Sheet1.

Formula

=

Result

Not evaluated yet.

Expected

16384

FAQ

Does COLUMNS count non-empty cells?

No. COLUMNS returns the width of the referenced array/range, including blank cells.

What does COLUMNS return for a full-row reference like 1:1?

It returns the sheet column limit, 16384.

Runtime metadata

Category

Lookup

Signature

COLUMNS(arg1: Any (Range))

Arity

min 1, max 1

Arguments

arg1

Any · Range

Caps

PURE

Source

crates/formualizer-eval/src/builtins/lookup/reference_info.rs

Registration entry at crates/formualizer-eval/src/builtins/lookup/mod.rs.

COLUMN

Returns the column number of a reference, or of the current cell when omitted.

DROP

DROP: Removes rows and optional columns from the start or end of an array.

On this page

Summary Remarks Examples Related functions FAQ Does COLUMNS count non-empty cells?What does COLUMNS return for a full-row reference like 1:1?Runtime metadata