Explanation
When given a single cell reference, the COLUMN function returns the column number for that reference. However, when given a range that contains multiple columns, the COLUMN function will return an array that contains all column numbers for the range. In the example shown the array looks like this:
{2,3,4}
If you want only the first column number, you can use the MIN function to extract just the first column number, which will be the lowest number in the array.
Simple version
Entered in a single cell, the COLUMN function will display only the first column number, even when it returns an array. This means, in practice, you can often just use the COLUMN function alone:
=COLUMN(rng)
However, inside formulas more complex formulas, it's sometimes necessary to make sure you are dealing with only one item, and not an array. In that case, you'll want to use MIN to pull out just the first item.
Related formulas
Last column number in range
Total columns in range
First row number in range
Last row number in range
Related functions
ROWS Function
The Excel ROWS function returns the count of rows in a given reference. For example, ROWS(A1:A3) returns 3, since the range A1:A3 contains 3 rows.
MIN Function
The Excel MIN function returns the smallest numeric value in the data provided. The MIN function ignores empty cells, the logical values TRUE and FALSE, and text values.
