What is Columns in Computer | Simply Defined

Published: 12 Jan 2026

A column in a computer refers to a vertical arrangement of data in a table, spreadsheet, or database. Each column holds data of a specific type or category, such as names, dates, or numbers, making it easier to organize, access, and analyze information.

For example, in a spreadsheet of students’ information, one column might list names, another roll numbers, and another grades. Columns work together with rows to structure data in a clear and logical way.

Table of Content

How are columns and rows labeled?
Difference Between Columns and Rows
How can I freeze a column so it doesn’t scroll?
1. In Microsoft Excel:
2. In Google Sheets:
What’s the keyboard shortcut to highlight a column?
1. In Microsoft Excel:
2. In Google Sheets:
How do you create columns in an HTML table?
1. Result:
Final words

How are columns and rows labeled?

In computers, columns and rows are labeled differently to help identify each cell in a table, spreadsheet, or database:

Columns are usually labeled with letters: A, B, C, …, Z, then AA, AB, and so on.
Rows are labeled with numbers: 1, 2, 3, …

For example, in a spreadsheet, the cell at the intersection of Column B and Row 3 is labeled B3. This labeling system makes it easy to locate and reference any piece of data quickly.

Difference Between Columns and Rows

Feature	Column	Row
Direction	Vertical (top to bottom)	Horizontal (left to right)
Labeling	Usually letters (A, B, C…)	Usually numbers (1, 2, 3…)
Purpose	Holds data of a specific type/category	Holds all data for a single record/entry
Example in Spreadsheet	Names, Dates, Grades	Information of one student across all columns
HTML Table Element	`<th>` or `<td>` in the same position across multiple `<tr>`s	`<tr>` containing multiple `<th>` or `<td>` cells

Note: The upper table has six rows and three columns.

How can I freeze a column so it doesn’t scroll?

If you want a column to stay visible while scrolling through a spreadsheet, you can freeze it. Here’s how to do it in common tools:

In Microsoft Excel:

Select the column to the right of the one you want to freeze.
- Example: To freeze Column A, select Column B.
Go to the View tab.
Click Freeze Panes → Freeze Panes.

In Google Sheets:

Click the column letter you want to freeze.
Go to View → Freeze → Up to current column.

Once frozen, that column will stay in place even if you scroll horizontally, making it easier to compare or reference data.

What’s the keyboard shortcut to highlight a column?

You can highlight (select) a column using the keyboard without using your mouse. Here’s how in common tools:

In Microsoft Excel:

Press Ctrl + Space → This will select the entire column of the active cell.
If you want to extend the selection to multiple columns, hold Shift and press the Right Arrow or Left Arrow.

In Google Sheets:

Press Ctrl + Space → Selects the current column.
Hold Shift + Ctrl, then press Right Arrow or Left Arrow to select additional columns.

💡 Tip: After selecting the column, you can apply formatting, delete it, or copy/paste data quickly.

How do you create columns in an HTML table?

In HTML, columns in a table are not created directly like in Excel. Instead, you create columns by adding cells inside table rows. Each cell in a row represents a column in that position.

<tr> → Defines a row.
<td> → Defines a data cell.

For One Row, three columns html code will be:

Result:

Data 1 Data 2 Data 3

Final words

I think everything is clear now. Question in the comment if any confusion disappoints you. Keep learning with me. Thanks for your love!

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