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How to convert a column number to a letter in Excel and Google Sheets
Excel & Google Sheets
=SUBSTITUTE(ADDRESS(1,A2,4),"1","")✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Col_Number | Col_Letter |
| 1 | |
| 3 | |
| 26 |
=SUBSTITUTE(ADDRESS(1,A2,4),"1","")→A
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Step by step
- 1Enter the column number you want to convert in cell A2 (e.g., 1 for A, 26 for Z, 27 for AA).
- 2In cell B2, enter the formula =SUBSTITUTE(ADDRESS(1,A2,4),"1","").
- 3ADDRESS(1,A2,4) creates a relative reference like 'A1'; SUBSTITUTE removes the '1' leaving only the column letter(s).
- 4Drag the formula down to convert multiple column numbers at once.
Tips
- This works for multi-letter columns too — column 702 converts to 'ZZ' and column 703 becomes 'AAA', matching Excel's column naming scheme.
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Frequently asked
What does the 4 mean in ADDRESS(1,A2,4)?
The fourth argument of ADDRESS specifies the reference style — 4 means relative reference (no $ signs), which prevents extra dollar signs in the result.
Can I use this inside INDIRECT to build a dynamic range?
Yes — combine with INDIRECT: =INDIRECT(SUBSTITUTE(ADDRESS(1,A2,4),"1","")&"2:"&SUBSTITUTE(ADDRESS(1,A2,4),"1","")&"100") to reference a whole column dynamically.