This wikiHow teaches you several ways to change column names in Google Sheets on a computer. You can edit the name used to refer to the column using a formula, or change the column heading to a different name.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Changing the Data Range Name (Title Reach)
Step 1. Visit https://sheets.google.com via a web browser
If you're not signed in to your Google account yet, follow the on-screen instructions to sign in.
- Use this method to create or edit a name that represents the range of data (e.g. “Budget” instead of “D1:E10”) used in a formula.
- To change the name that appears in the column header, read this method.
Step 2. Click the file you want to edit
Step 3. Click the column letter
This letter is above the column you want to name. The column and all its boxes will be selected afterwards.
Step 4. Click the Data menu
This menu is at the top of the “Sheets” window.
Step 5. Click Named ranges
The “Named ranges” pane is now displayed on the right side of the spreadsheet.
Step 6. Enter the data range name
Range names cannot begin with a number or the word “true” or “false”. You can enter a name with a maximum number of 250 characters, including letters, numbers, and underscores.
- If the column is empty, just type the name of the data range.
- If the range already has a name and you want to change it, just enter a new name.
Step 7. Click Done
The column names/data ranges are now updated. If you are using a formula that uses the old name, you will need to update the formula.
Method 2 of 2: Changing Column Titles
Step 1. Visit https://sheets.google.com via a web browser
If you're not signed in to your Google account yet, follow the on-screen instructions to sign in first.
- Column headers are the text that appears at the top of each column.
- If you haven't set column headings yet, find and read articles on how to create and set column headings in Google Sheets on a PC or Mac computer.
Step 2. Click the file you want to edit
Step 3. Double-click the column header you want to change
Step 4. Use the Backspace. key or Delete to delete an existing name.
Step 5. Type in a new name
Step 6. Press Enter. key or Returns.
The column names are now updated.
