To hide a column in Google Sheets, right-click the column letter at the top (like C) and choose Hide column. You can also select the column and press Ctrl + Alt + 0 on Windows or Chromebook, or Command + Option + 0 on a Mac. Hidden columns leave small arrows in the header. Click either arrow to show the column again.
Hiding a column doesn’t delete it or change formulas that use it. Below are all the ways to hide columns on a computer, phone, or tablet, plus how to hide several at once and the privacy limits you should know about.
How to hide a column on a computer
- Open your spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
- Right-click the column letter at the top of the column.
- Click Hide column.
You can also hover over the column letter, click the small down arrow that appears, and choose Hide column.
How to hide multiple columns
- Next to each other: Click the first column letter, hold Shift, click the last one, then right-click and choose Hide columns C – E (the letters match your selection).
- Not next to each other: Hold Ctrl (or Command on a Mac) and click each column letter, then right-click and choose Hide columns.
How to hide a column on iPhone, iPad, or Android
- Open the spreadsheet in the Google Sheets app.
- Tap the column letter to select it.
- Tap the column letter again, or tap the three-dot menu in the toolbar that appears.
- Tap Hide column. On a small screen, swipe the menu or tap the arrow to find it.
How to unhide columns
- Click the small arrows in the column header where the column used to be.
- Or select the columns on both sides of the hidden one, right-click, and choose Unhide columns.
- Keyboard shortcut: select the surrounding columns and press Ctrl + Shift + 0 (Command + Shift + 0 on a Mac).
- To show every hidden column, click the top-left corner box to select the whole sheet, right-click any column letter, and choose Unhide columns.
For more, see how to show hidden columns in Google Sheets.
Hide vs. group vs. filter
| Option | Best for | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| Hide column | Tucking away helper or reference columns | Right-click > Hide column |
| Group columns | Columns you’ll show and hide often, with a one-click +/- button | Select columns, right-click > View more column actions > Group columns |
| Filter views | Hiding rows based on values, without changing what others see | Data > Filter views |
Learn more in how to group in Google Sheets. To hide rows instead, the steps are the same, just right-click the row number. See how to unhide rows in Google Sheets.
Important: hiding isn’t private
Anyone who can view or edit the spreadsheet can unhide a hidden column. Viewers can also see the data if they download or copy the file, or reference it in formulas in another sheet. If a column has private information like salaries or personal details, move it to a separate spreadsheet that you don’t share. You can also protect it from edits with Data > Protect sheets and ranges, but that still doesn’t hide it.
Tips for working with hidden columns
- Formulas like SUM still include hidden columns. Charts leave out hidden columns by default. To include them, check Include hidden/filtered data in the chart editor’s Customize tab.
- When you copy a range that has hidden columns, the hidden data is copied too.
- Hidden columns also stay hidden when you print. To print them, unhide first.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hide a column only for myself?
No. Hiding a column changes the sheet for everyone. Filter views can hide rows just for you, but there’s no personal-only way to hide columns.
Why don’t I see the Hide column option?
You may have view-only access. Viewers can’t hide or unhide columns. Ask the owner for edit access or make a copy with File > Make a copy.
Can I hide unused columns to the right?
Yes. Click the first unused column letter, press Ctrl + Shift + Right arrow to select to the end, then right-click and choose Hide columns. Or delete the extra columns if you don’t need them.
How do I hide gridlines instead?
Click View > Show and uncheck Gridlines.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.