Google Sheets is a powerful tool for organizing, analyzing, and presenting data. Sometimes, you may want to hide certain columns to simplify your spreadsheet, focus on specific data, or protect sensitive information. Hiding columns in Google Sheets is quick and easy, whether you’re using a desktop, iPhone, or Android device.
This guide will show you all methods to hide and unhide columns, plus tips for better spreadsheet management.
Why Hide Columns in Google Sheets?
Focus on Important Data: Temporarily remove irrelevant columns for clarity.
Protect Sensitive Information: Hide financial or personal data from casual viewers.
Clean Reports: Make reports look professional by showing only essential information.
Simplify Formulas and Layouts: Reduce visual clutter while keeping formulas intact.
Step 1: Open Your Google Sheet
Open your web browser or Google Sheets app.
Navigate to the spreadsheet containing the columns you want to hide.
Make sure you have editing access to the sheet.
Step 2: Select the Column(s) to Hide
Click the letter at the top of the column you want to hide.
To select multiple adjacent columns, click the first column letter, hold Shift, then click the last column letter.
For non-adjacent columns, hold Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) while clicking the column letters.
Step 3: Hide the Column(s)
On Desktop:
Right-click the selected column header.
Choose Hide column from the menu.
The column will disappear, and a small arrow will indicate hidden columns.
On Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Tap the column letter to select it.
Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the app.
Choose Hide column.
Step 4: Unhide Columns
Hidden columns aren’t deleted—they’re just invisible. To unhide:
On Desktop:
Look for the small arrows between column letters where the hidden columns are.
Click the arrow to unhide the column.
On Mobile:
Tap the letters next to the hidden column indicator.
Protect Hidden Columns: Use Data → Protect sheets and ranges to prevent others from unhiding sensitive data.
Keyboard Shortcut (Desktop): Press Alt + O → H → C to hide selected columns quickly.
Hide Columns for Printing: Hidden columns won’t appear when printing, making reports cleaner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I hide multiple non-adjacent columns at once?
Yes, on desktop, hold Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) while selecting multiple columns, then right-click and choose Hide column.
2. Will hiding a column delete its data?
No. All data remains intact and can be referenced in formulas.
3. Can hidden columns affect charts?
Yes, if your chart references hidden columns, the data will still be included unless you manually adjust the chart range.
4. How do I quickly unhide all columns?
Click the small arrows between all hidden columns one by one or use the Right-click → Unhide columns menu.
5. Can I hide columns on a shared sheet without affecting others?
No. Hiding columns affects all users viewing the sheet unless you use Filter views, which hide data only for your view.
Final Thoughts
Hiding columns in Google Sheets is an excellent way to keep your spreadsheet clean, focused, and professional. Whether you’re working on large datasets, financial reports, or collaborative projects, these simple steps make it easy to hide and unhide columns as needed.
Using hidden columns strategically ensures your data remains accessible while making your sheets easier to read and present.
