TRANSPOSE Function
Master the TRANSPOSE function to convert rows to columns and columns to rows in Excel and Google Sheets. Learn with practical examples and error solutions.
Excel
Google SheetsExcelGoogle Sheets=TRANSPOSE(array)Practical Examples
Basic Data Transposition
Convert quarterly sales data from horizontal to vertical layout
Multi-Row Table Transposition
Restructure employee data from rows to columns
Dynamic Sales Matrix Transposition
Create a transposed view of product sales by region
Formula Combination with TRANSPOSE
Combine TRANSPOSE with other functions for complex operations
Error Handling with TRANSPOSE
Safely transpose data with error handling
Cross-Sheet Dynamic Transposition
Create a live transposed view of data from another sheet
Common Errors and Solutions
TRANSPOSE result cannot spill
The destination range contains data or merged cells that block the transposed array from expanding
1. Clear the entire destination area where the transposed data should appear 2. Unmerge any merged cells in the spill range 3. Delete or move any data blocking the output 4. Use IFERROR to handle spill errors gracefully
Always check that the destination area is completely empty before using TRANSPOSE
Example:
TRANSPOSE references deleted or invalid cells
The source range has been deleted, moved, or references cells outside the worksheet boundaries
1. Verify the source range still exists 2. Check if rows/columns were deleted 3. Ensure the transposed result fits within Excel's limits (1,048,576 rows × 16,384 columns) 4. Use defined names or structured references for stability
Use named ranges or table references that automatically adjust when data moves
Example:
TRANSPOSE receives incompatible data types
The array contains error values, or in older Excel versions, the formula wasn't entered as an array formula
1. Check source data for errors (#N/A, #DIV/0!, etc.) 2. In Excel 2019 and earlier, press Ctrl+Shift+Enter 3. Clean source data using IFERROR 4. Ensure consistent data types in the source range
Clean your data before transposing and use proper array formula entry
Example:
Transposed array doesn't fit in selected range
In older Excel versions, the pre-selected destination range doesn't match the transposed dimensions
1. Calculate required dimensions: source rows become columns, columns become rows 2. Select the correct destination range size 3. Re-enter the formula with Ctrl+Shift+Enter 4. Or upgrade to Excel 365 for dynamic arrays
Always verify dimensions: a 5×3 source needs a 3×5 destination
Advanced Tips and Techniques
In Excel 365, combine TRANSPOSE with other dynamic array functions like SORT, FILTER, and UNIQUE for powerful data manipulation. For example, =TRANSPOSE(SORT(UNIQUE(A:A))) creates a sorted, unique, horizontal list from vertical data.
TRANSPOSE can slow down calculations with very large ranges (>50,000 cells). For better performance with big data, consider using Power Query or pivot tables instead, which handle large datasets more efficiently.
TRANSPOSE only copies values, not formatting. To preserve formatting, use Paste Special > Transpose instead, though this creates static data. For dynamic formatted transposition, combine TRANSPOSE with conditional formatting rules.
Define your source data as a named range (e.g., 'SalesData'), then use =TRANSPOSE(SalesData). This makes formulas more readable and automatically adjusts if the range size changes.
In Excel 2019 and earlier, TRANSPOSE must be entered as an array formula. Select the entire destination range first, type the formula, then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter. You'll see curly braces {} around the formula.
TRANSPOSE is essential for matrix operations. For matrix multiplication, use =MMULT(A1:C3, TRANSPOSE(D1:F3)) to multiply matrices with matching dimensions.
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Example Excel formula:
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Excel