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How to Rename Columns on Google Sheets on PC or Mac

A quick and easy guide to naming ranges and columns

This wikiHow teaches you different ways to change column names in Google Sheets on a computer. You can either edit the name you use to reference the column in formulas, or change the column’s header title to something new.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Changing the Name of a Range (Named Range)

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    Go to https://sheets.google.com in a web browser. If you’re not already signed in to your Google account, follow the on-screen instructions to sign in now.
    • Use this method to create or edit the name that represents a range (e.g. “Budget” in place of “D1:E10”) that you can use to reference it in formulas. [1]
    • To change the name that appears in the header at the top of the column, see this method instead .
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    This is the letter above the column you want to name. The entire column is now selected.
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    It’s at the top of Sheets.
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    The “Named ranges” panel now appears on the right side of the sheet.
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    Range names cannot begin with a number or the words “true” or “false.” They can be up to 250 characters, including letters, numbers, and underscores. [2]
    • If the field is blank, simply type a name for the range.
    • If the range already has a name and you want to change it, click the pencil icon, then enter a new name.
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    The column/range’s name is now updated. If you have formulas that reference the old name, you'll need to update them.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Changing a Column Header

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    Go to https://sheets.google.com in a web browser. If you’re not already signed in to your Google account, follow the on-screen instructions to sign in now.
    • Column headers are the text that appear at the top of each column.
    • If you have not yet set up column headers, see Make a Header on Google Sheets on PC or Mac.
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    The column name is now updated.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/docs/answer/63175?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/docs/answer/63175?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en

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