How to Use TRANSPOSE Function in Google Sheets

In this article, you will learn how to utilize the TRANSPOSE formula in Google Sheets. The TRANSPOSE function is beneficial when you want to transfer a series of values in a row (or a horizontal array) to a column (or a vertical array) or vice versa.

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How to use the TRANSPOSE formula in Google Sheets

1. Put a cursor on a cell from which you want to spread transferred values.
2. Type “=TRANSPOSE” or go to “Insert” → “Function” → “Array” → “TRANSPOSE”.
3. Select a range or an array you want to transpose.
4. Press the “Enter” key.

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The generic formula is as follows:

=TRANSPOSE(array_or_range)

Array_or_range: This should be a range or an array whose rows and/or columns are going to be swapped.

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The TRANSPOSE function is helpful when you want to change a vertical data set to a horizontal data set or vice versa. Imagine you are a finance manager and have monthly revenue data vertically in Google Sheets. You want to spread this data horizontally. This is when you use the TRANSPOSE formula. 

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Example 1

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In the screenshot above, “array_or_range” is B2:B8, a part of column B. The TRANSPOSE formula automatically expands the transposed values horizontally from the cell where it is, B12, in this case.

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Example 2

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In the picture above, “array_or_range” is B17:C23, an array. The TRANSPOSE formula automatically expands the transposed values horizontally and vertically from the cell where it is, B27, in this case.

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As you understand, the function spreads the values automatically; there must be enough blank cells for values to be transferred.

Why is transpose not working in Google Sheets?

1. There is not enough space for transposed values. For example, if you want to transpose values in ten cells in a row, you need to secure enough space for the formula to expand the values - ten cells in a column. 
2. You select a wrong range (e.g., missing a cell at the end of the range to which you want to apply the TRANSPOSE function)

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Analyze your live financial data in a snap

Are you learning this formula to visualize financial data, build a financial model, or conduct financial analysis? In that case, LiveFlow may help you automate manual workflows and update numbers in real-time. You can access various financial templates on our website, from the simple Income Statement to Multi-Currency Consolidated Financial Statement. You can also customize these templates as you want without breaking the automated data inflow.

To learn more about LiveFlow, book a demo.

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Other tips and formulas related to rows and columns

If you don’t get the solution to your question in this article or you have further questions related to rows and columns, you may find the answers in the following articles.

Navigate to the articles below to learn how to fix rows and/or columns, or adjust the heights of rows or the widths of columns to have a better view of a table or a list more efficiently.

How to Freeze Rows and Columns in Google Sheets

How to Resize Column Width in Google Sheets

How to Resize Row Height in Google Sheets

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Visit the pages below if you need to learn how to insert multiple rows or columns.

How to Insert Multiple Rows in Google Sheets

How to Insert Multiple Columns in Google Sheets

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Check the following articles if you want to learn about how to group or ungroup rows or columns, or change the order of rows and columns.

How to Group Rows and Columns in Google Sheets

How to Switch Two Columns and Rows in Google Sheets

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Go to the following web pages if you need to learn how to switch rows and columns. You can do it by using a special paste or the TRANSPOSE function.

Switch Rows and Columns in Google Sheets: Explained

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See these articles to learn how to show the row or column numbers of cells by formula.

COLUMN Function in Google Sheets: Explained

ROW Function in Google Sheets: Explained

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You can learn about other Google Sheets formulas and tips that are not mentioned here on this page: LiveFlow‘s How to Guides