How to Delete Other Columns in Google Sheets? A Step By Step Guide

Deleting unwanted columns in Google Sheets can be a tedious task, especially when you have a large dataset with numerous columns. However, it’s an essential task to maintain data cleanliness and organization. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of deleting other columns in Google Sheets, exploring various methods and techniques to achieve this task efficiently. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, this post will provide you with the necessary knowledge to delete unwanted columns and streamline your data.

Why Delete Unwanted Columns in Google Sheets?

Deleting unwanted columns in Google Sheets can help you:

• Reduce data clutter and improve data visualization
• Enhance data accuracy and reduce errors
• Improve data security by removing sensitive information
• Streamline data analysis and reporting
• Save time and increase productivity

Method 1: Using the Delete Column Feature

The most straightforward way to delete a column in Google Sheets is by using the delete column feature. Here’s how:

1. Select the column you want to delete by clicking on the column header.
2. Go to the “Data” menu and click on “Delete column” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + – (Windows) or Command + – (Mac).
3. Confirm that you want to delete the column by clicking “OK” in the pop-up window.

Alternatively, you can also use the right-click menu to delete a column:

1. Select the column you want to delete by clicking on the column header.
2. Right-click on the column header and select “Delete column” from the context menu.

Method 2: Using the Filter Function

You can also use the filter function to delete unwanted columns in Google Sheets. Here’s how:

1. Select the data range you want to filter.
2. Go to the “Data” menu and click on “Create a filter” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + F (Windows) or Command + Shift + F (Mac).
3. In the filter dialog box, select the column you want to delete and click on the “Delete” button.

Alternatively, you can also use the filter function to delete multiple columns:

1. Select the data range you want to filter.
2. Go to the “Data” menu and click on “Create a filter” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + F (Windows) or Command + Shift + F (Mac).
3. In the filter dialog box, select the columns you want to delete and click on the “Delete” button.

Method 3: Using the Query Function

You can also use the query function to delete unwanted columns in Google Sheets. Here’s how: (See Also: Google Sheets How to Change Date Format? Simplify Your Data)

1. Select the data range you want to query.
2. Enter the following formula in a new cell: `=QUERY(A1:C10, “SELECT * WHERE Col1 <> ””)` (replace A1:C10 with your data range and Col1 with the column you want to delete).
3. Press Enter to execute the query.
4. The query will return a new range with the unwanted column deleted.

Alternatively, you can also use the query function to delete multiple columns:

1. Select the data range you want to query.
2. Enter the following formula in a new cell: `=QUERY(A1:C10, “SELECT * WHERE Col1 <> ” AND Col2 <> ””)` (replace A1:C10 with your data range and Col1 and Col2 with the columns you want to delete).
3. Press Enter to execute the query.
4. The query will return a new range with the unwanted columns deleted.

Method 4: Using the VLOOKUP Function

You can also use the VLOOKUP function to delete unwanted columns in Google Sheets. Here’s how:

1. Select the data range you want to delete.
2. Enter the following formula in a new cell: `=VLOOKUP(A2, B:C, 2, FALSE)` (replace A2 with the value you want to look up and B:C with the range of values you want to delete).
3. Press Enter to execute the formula.
4. The VLOOKUP function will return the value you want to delete.

Alternatively, you can also use the VLOOKUP function to delete multiple columns:

1. Select the data range you want to delete.
2. Enter the following formula in a new cell: `=VLOOKUP(A2, B:C, 2, FALSE)` (replace A2 with the value you want to look up and B:C with the range of values you want to delete).
3. Press Enter to execute the formula.
4. The VLOOKUP function will return the value you want to delete.

Method 5: Using the INDEX-MATCH Function

You can also use the INDEX-MATCH function to delete unwanted columns in Google Sheets. Here’s how:

1. Select the data range you want to delete.
2. Enter the following formula in a new cell: `=INDEX(C:C, MATCH(A2, B:B, 0))` (replace A2 with the value you want to look up and B:C with the range of values you want to delete).
3. Press Enter to execute the formula.
4. The INDEX-MATCH function will return the value you want to delete.

Alternatively, you can also use the INDEX-MATCH function to delete multiple columns:

1. Select the data range you want to delete.
2. Enter the following formula in a new cell: `=INDEX(C:C, MATCH(A2, B:B, 0))` (replace A2 with the value you want to look up and B:C with the range of values you want to delete).
3. Press Enter to execute the formula.
4. The INDEX-MATCH function will return the value you want to delete.

Method 6: Using the Filter and Delete Function

You can also use the filter and delete function to delete unwanted columns in Google Sheets. Here’s how:

1. Select the data range you want to delete.
2. Go to the “Data” menu and click on “Create a filter” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + F (Windows) or Command + Shift + F (Mac).
3. In the filter dialog box, select the column you want to delete and click on the “Delete” button.

Method 7: Using the Query and Delete Function

You can also use the query and delete function to delete unwanted columns in Google Sheets. Here’s how: (See Also: Google Sheets How to Make All Caps? Easy Tips)

1. Select the data range you want to delete.
2. Enter the following formula in a new cell: `=QUERY(A1:C10, “SELECT * WHERE Col1 <> ””)` (replace A1:C10 with your data range and Col1 with the column you want to delete).
3. Press Enter to execute the query.
4. The query will return a new range with the unwanted column deleted.

Method 8: Using the VLOOKUP and Delete Function

You can also use the VLOOKUP and delete function to delete unwanted columns in Google Sheets. Here’s how:

1. Select the data range you want to delete.
2. Enter the following formula in a new cell: `=VLOOKUP(A2, B:C, 2, FALSE)` (replace A2 with the value you want to look up and B:C with the range of values you want to delete).
3. Press Enter to execute the formula.
4. The VLOOKUP function will return the value you want to delete.

Method 9: Using the INDEX-MATCH and Delete Function

You can also use the INDEX-MATCH and delete function to delete unwanted columns in Google Sheets. Here’s how:

1. Select the data range you want to delete.
2. Enter the following formula in a new cell: `=INDEX(C:C, MATCH(A2, B:B, 0))` (replace A2 with the value you want to look up and B:C with the range of values you want to delete).
3. Press Enter to execute the formula.
4. The INDEX-MATCH function will return the value you want to delete.

Recap

In this blog post, we’ve explored various methods to delete unwanted columns in Google Sheets. From using the delete column feature to using advanced functions like query, VLOOKUP, and INDEX-MATCH, we’ve covered it all. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, these methods will help you delete unwanted columns efficiently and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to Delete Other Columns in Google Sheets?

Q: How do I delete a column in Google Sheets?

A: To delete a column in Google Sheets, select the column you want to delete by clicking on the column header, go to the “Data” menu, and click on “Delete column” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + – (Windows) or Command + – (Mac).

Q: How do I delete multiple columns in Google Sheets?

A: To delete multiple columns in Google Sheets, select the columns you want to delete by clicking on the column headers, go to the “Data” menu, and click on “Delete column” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + – (Windows) or Command + – (Mac).

Q: How do I use the filter function to delete columns in Google Sheets?

A: To use the filter function to delete columns in Google Sheets, select the data range you want to filter, go to the “Data” menu, and click on “Create a filter” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + F (Windows) or Command + Shift + F (Mac). In the filter dialog box, select the column you want to delete and click on the “Delete” button.

Q: How do I use the query function to delete columns in Google Sheets?

A: To use the query function to delete columns in Google Sheets, select the data range you want to query, enter the following formula in a new cell: `=QUERY(A1:C10, “SELECT * WHERE Col1 <> ””)` (replace A1:C10 with your data range and Col1 with the column you want to delete), and press Enter to execute the query.

Q: How do I use the VLOOKUP function to delete columns in Google Sheets?

A: To use the VLOOKUP function to delete columns in Google Sheets, select the data range you want to delete, enter the following formula in a new cell: `=VLOOKUP(A2, B:C, 2, FALSE)` (replace A2 with the value you want to look up and B:C with the range of values you want to delete), and press Enter to execute the formula.

Q: How do I use the INDEX-MATCH function to delete columns in Google Sheets?

A: To use the INDEX-MATCH function to delete columns in Google Sheets, select the data range you want to delete, enter the following formula in a new cell: `=INDEX(C:C, MATCH(A2, B:B, 0))` (replace A2 with the value you want to look up and B:C with the range of values you want to delete), and press Enter to execute the formula.