Transposing flips data so rows become columns and columns become rows.
Method 1: Paste Special
- Select and copy the data (Ctrl + C).
- Right-click the destination cell.
- Choose Paste Special → Transpose (the icon with arrows) or tick the Transpose box.
This gives a one-time copy. If the original data changes later, the transposed copy does not update.
Method 2: the TRANSPOSE function
In Microsoft 365, type =TRANSPOSE(A1:D5) in the top-left cell of the destination. The result spills automatically and stays linked to the source.
In older Excel versions, select an output range of the correct size first (a 4 by 5 area for a 5 by 4 input), type the formula and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Which method to choose
- Paste Special: best for a one-time layout change and for keeping formatting.
- TRANSPOSE: best when the source changes and the flipped table must update.
Common issues
- #SPILL!: something is blocking the destination cells.
- Formulas in the source may shift references after paste transposing. Check them.
- Merged cells do not transpose cleanly. Unmerge first.
For flipping a whole report, Power Query's Transpose button also works well on large data.