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Quick Answer

TRANSPOSE Function

Flips rows and columns of an array.

✓ Excel✓ Google SheetsExcel All versions

Syntax

TRANSPOSE
(array)

Parameters

ParameterDescriptionRequired
arrayThe range or array of values to transpose.Required

Basic Example

Turn a column into a row

=TRANSPOSE(A1:A3)
ResultA horizontal row of the three values

The three-row, one-column range becomes a one-row, three-column result.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Rotate a table

A 2x3 block A1:C2

Swap rows and columns

=TRANSPOSE(A1:C2)
Result: A 3x2 block
Rows become columns and columns become rows in the output.

Example 2: Feed a transposed range to another function

Need rows as columns for a lookup

Use inline as an array

=TRANSPOSE(A1:A5)
Result: Horizontal array usable by the next function
The transposed array can be passed directly into functions that expect the other orientation.

How TRANSPOSE Works

TRANSPOSE swaps the row and column indices of the input array, so element (r, c) in the source appears at (c, r) in the result. In Microsoft 365 it spills the full result automatically; in older Excel it must be entered as an array formula across the target range.

1
Select the target shape
Pick a target range with swapped dimensions (rows become columns).
2
Enter the formula
In modern Excel just type =TRANSPOSE(range); in legacy Excel select the output range, type the formula, and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
3
Confirm the result
The flipped array appears in the target range.

Important Notes & Limitations

  • In older Excel, TRANSPOSE must be entered as an array formula (Ctrl+Shift+Enter); a single cell shows only one element.

  • The output range must have the transposed dimensions or results are truncated.

  • Transposing only flips orientation; it does not reshape to arbitrary dimensions.

Common Errors & Fixes

Only one value appearsLegacy Excel without array entry, or the formula placed in a single cell.

Fix: Select the full target range and use Ctrl+Shift+Enter (or use Microsoft 365's dynamic arrays).

Download Practice File

Practice TRANSPOSE with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the TRANSPOSE function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Ctrl+Shift+Enter?
Only in older Excel; Microsoft 365 and Google Sheets spill the result automatically.
What does TRANSPOSE do to a 2x3 range?
It returns a 3x2 range with rows and columns swapped.
Can it reshape data arbitrarily?
No, it only flips rows and columns; the total element count is unchanged.