How to☝️ Use the TRANSPOSE Function in Google Sheets

To use the TRANSPOSE function in Google Sheets, select your data, right-click on it, and choose the Copy option. Next, right-click on a blank cell, select Paste special, and pick the Transposed option.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Google Sheets TRANSPOSE Function: its definition, syntax, use cases, examples, and usage notes.

How to Quickly Transpose Data in Google Sheets

The TRANSPOSE function in Google Sheets allows you to move data between ranges of cells. Let’s take a look at how this can be done with just a few steps.

Difficulty: Beginner

Time Estimate: 7 seconds

  1. Select a blank cell.
  2. Go to the Formula bar and type the formula =TRANSPOSE(A1:B13). A1:B13 is the cell range you need to move. 

How to Quickly Transpose Data in Google Sheets

  1. Hit the Enter key.

The Data

Here is the result!

Drilling Down into the TRANSPOSE Function

Description

The TRANSPOSE function is a Google Sheets function that allows you to transpose data from one range of cells to another.  

For example, if you have data in a column, you can use the TRANSPOSE function to move it to a row. Or, if you have data in a row, you can use this function to move it to a column. The TRANSPOSE function allows you to rotate data from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation or vice versa.

The following example of the function =TRANSPOSE(A1:B13) shows how it works. 

The TRANSPOSE Function

Purpose

This function helps you reposition your data to make it easier for you to navigate through the information. It is used to rearrange data in a certain order or if you want to change the structure of your data. 

Syntax

=TRANSPOSE(array_or_range)

Arguments

  • array_or_range is the specified array or range to be moved.

Return Value

Using the TRANSPOSE function, a vertical range of cells can be returned as a horizontal range or vice versa.

Usage Notes

  1. Using this function, you can display your data horizontally.

The TRANSPOSE Function

  1. Conversely, the application of this function can arrange data in a vertical position.

The Data in a Vertical Position

  1. If you don’t intend to select a range of cells with data but just want to enter a function with your values, you need to add curly brackets to the formula, as shown in the example below.

The TRANSPOSE Function Function with Values

Examples

Here are some examples we have used. It is necessary to enter your own range in the formula for the function to work. 

  1. If you need to transpose columns, use the formula:

=TRANSPOSE(A:F) // Output:

The TRANSPOSE Formula

  1. The following example demonstrates how to transpose rows:

=TRANSPOSE(1:6) // Output:

TRANSPOSE

  1. If you need to transpose cell ranges, use the following:

=TRANSPOSE(A1:B13) // Output:

TRANSPOSE Formula

Bonus: Transpose Data Using the Paste Special Option

Difficulty: Beginner

Time Estimate: 5 seconds

  1. Highlight your data.
  2. Right-click on it.
  3. Choose the Copy option.

The Copy Option

  1. Next, right-click on a blank cell.
  2. Pick Paste special.
  3. Finally, select Transposed.

Transpose Data Using the Paste Special Option

Voila! You have done it!

The Data

The TRANSPOSE Function in Google Sheets FAQs

If you are interested in finding out more, take a look at our FAQ section!

Can you transpose multiple columns in Google Sheets?

Yes, you can transpose multiple columns in Google Sheets. To do so, you’ll need to select a blank cell, and in the Formula bar, type =TRANSPOSE(A:L). A:L is the columns’ range. Then press Enter

Can you transpose multiple columns in Google Sheets

And that’s it! The values from the selected columns will now be transposed into the new rows. 

Data

How do I transpose multiple rows to columns in Google Sheets?

To transpose multiple rows to columns in Google Sheets, click on the cell where you want the result, go to the Formula bar, type the formula =TRANSPOSE(1:12), where 1:12 is the row selection, and hit Enter

How do I transpose multiple rows to columns in Google Sheets

It’s as simple as that.

The Table in Google Sheets

Is there a shortcut to quickly apply the TRANSPOSE function?

Yes, there is a keyboard shortcut that you can use to apply the TRANSPOSE function in Google Sheets. To do this, select your data and press Ctrl + Shift + V on your keyboard. 

Keep in mind that using this shortcut will permanently change your data, so be sure only to use it when you’re absolutely sure you want to transpose your data.

Why is TRANSPOSE not working in Google Sheets?

In the case that the TRANSPOSE function isn’t working, there are several factors that could be causing this to happen:

  1. One of the reasons why this happens is because the cell that you selected already contains data in it. In this case, you will see the following warning. 

Why is TRANSPOSE not working in Google Sheets

To solve this problem, make sure the cells where you intend to transpose the data are empty.

  1. Also, if you have merged cells, this function may not work or may not transfer the corresponding cell with data.

Merged Cells

Make sure the cells are not merged before applying the formula.

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Daniel Smith
Daniel Smith
Daniel Smith is automation consultant with a passion for technology, data, AI, and machine learning.

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