Flip Your Data: A Guide to the Excel TRANSPOSE Function

Convert rows to columns (or columns to rows) with a single, dynamic formula.

Welcome! Have you ever received data in a vertical list that you needed to be horizontal? Or vice versa? While `Paste Special > Transpose` is a popular method, it creates a static copy. The **TRANSPOSE** function, on the other hand, is a powerful tool that creates a live, dynamic link. When your original data changes, your transposed data updates automatically. Here’s how to master this essential function.

What is the TRANSPOSE Function?

The `TRANSPOSE` function flips the orientation of a given range or array. It converts a horizontal range of cells into a vertical one, and a vertical range into a horizontal one. It's a game-changer for data presentation and analysis.

Syntax:

=TRANSPOSE(array)
            

The `array` is simply the range of cells that you want to flip.

Step-by-Step Guide

Let's imagine you have a list of sales data with products in column A and sales figures in column B. You want to display this horizontally.

1. Count and Select Your New Range

This is the most critical step. The number of rows in your original data will become the number of columns in your new, transposed data. The number of columns in your original data will become the number of rows. So, if your original data is 2 columns by 5 rows, your new transposed data will be 5 columns by 2 rows. Select an empty range of cells that matches this new dimension.

2. Enter the Formula

With the new, empty range selected, type the `TRANSPOSE` formula in the first cell of that range. For our example, if the original data is in `A1:B5`, you would type:

=TRANSPOSE(A1:B5)
            

3. Complete as an Array Formula (For Older Excel Versions)

For Excel versions before Microsoft 365, you **must** finish the formula by pressing `CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER`. This tells Excel to treat it as an array formula, and it will enclose the formula in curly braces `{}` in the formula bar. You should never type these braces manually.

For users of Microsoft 365, you can simply press `ENTER`, and the formula will automatically "spill" into the required cells.

When to Use TRANSPOSE vs. Paste Special

• Use `TRANSPOSE` for Dynamic Data: If your original data is subject to change, `TRANSPOSE` is the best choice. Your transposed table will update automatically whenever the source data is modified.
• Use `Paste Special` for Static Data: If you only need a one-time, static copy of your data without any link to the original, `Paste Special > Transpose` is a quick and simple solution.

Keep improving your Excel skills with more of our formula tips!