COLUMNS in WPS is a built-in spreadsheet function that returns the number of columns in a referenced range or array; this guide covers 3 core tasks, with 3 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|
| Core tasks | 3 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 3 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index |
About This Feature
Overview
COLUMNS is a built-in function in WPS Spreadsheets that returns the number of columns in a selected reference or array. It is useful when you need to check the width of a range, confirm table structure, or combine the result with other formulas.
Core tasks in this guide include:
- Insert the COLUMNS function from the Insert Function dialog.
- Type the
=COLUMNS(...) formula directly in a cell or in the formula bar. - Review the function syntax and parameter description before entering or editing a formula.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|
| Operating system | A Windows PC that can run WPS Office normally |
| App availability | A working installation of WPS Office with access to WPS Spreadsheets |
| Network | A network connection is usually needed for downloading the app or opening online help; local formula entry and calculation usually work without it |
| Other | You should be able to open an existing spreadsheet or create a new one |
Download & Installation
| Item | Details |
|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Check after installation | Open WPS Spreadsheets and look for the Formulas tab and the Insert Function entry |
Source: WPS download page
Compare with Alternatives
| Comparison area | WPS | Microsoft | Google | Notion | Adobe |
|---|
| Spreadsheet function support for this topic | Supports the COLUMNS function for counting columns in a reference or array. | — | — | — | — |
| Ways to enter the formula | Supports direct formula entry and insertion from the function dialog. | — | — | — | — |
| Syntax review | Supports viewing syntax and parameter guidance from the function interface. | — | — | — | — |
| Official reference | — | — | — | — | — |
Overall Conclusion
WPS already covers the main needs for this topic: entering the COLUMNS function, checking its syntax, and returning a result in a worksheet. If you compare office tools for spreadsheet work, your choice usually depends on the environment you already use for editing and collaboration.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable for | Main need | How COLUMNS helps |
|---|
| 1 | Count columns in a range | Spreadsheet editors | Quickly confirm how many columns a range contains | Use =COLUMNS(reference) to return the column count |
| 2 | Check a reference before copying formulas | Data organizers | Make sure the selected range width is correct | Review syntax first, then enter the formula |
| 3 | Test a formula before filling across cells | Office users | Avoid errors before applying a formula more widely | Try the formula in one cell first, then copy it |
Membership & Benefits
Free vs WPS Premium
| Capability | Free | WPS Premium |
|---|
| Use the COLUMNS function | Available | Available |
| Insert the formula from the function dialog | Available | Available |
| View syntax and parameter guidance | Available | Available |
Recommendations
| Situation | Recommended option | Why |
|---|
| Everyday spreadsheet calculation and formula learning | Free | The tasks in this guide are available directly |
| Broader office needs beyond this function | WPS Premium | Suitable if you also need additional membership services |
How to Subscribe
Source: WPS Office pricing page
