Summary

To count columns in an Excel table, you can use the COLUMNS function. In the example shown, the formula in I4 is:

=COLUMNS(Table1)

The result is 5, the number of columns in Table1 as shown.

Generic formula

COLUMNS(table)

Explanation 

This formula uses structured referencing, a syntax that allows table parts to be referred to by name. When a table is referred to by the name only, Excel returns a reference to the data region of the table only. In this case, the entire table range is B4:F104 so Table1 returns the range B5:F105 to the COLUMNS function.

=COLUMNS(Table1)
=COLUMNS(B5:F105)

COLUMNS then returns a final result of 5, since there are 5 columns in the table.

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Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.