# COLUMN

## Content

This function returns the column number of a reference.

## Syntax

`COLUMN(reference)`

## Arguments

[Optional] The argument is a cell or a single area.

## Remarks

If the reference is omitted, the reference of the cell that the function is in is used.

## Examples

`COLUMN(A9)` gives the result 1
`COLUMN(A1:A5)` gives the result 1