How To Select Multiple Columns (Google Sheets Query)

Last Updated on October 31, 2023 by Jake Sheridan

In this tutorial, you will learn how to select multiple columns using Google Sheets Query.

How to Select Multiple Columns (Google Sheets Query)

• How to Select Multiple Columns (Google Sheets Query)
• Understand Google Sheets Query
• Select Multiple Columns using Google Sheets Query
  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Summary

The Query function in Google Sheets is the most powerful and adaptable tool in the program. It allows you to handle data in Google Sheets using data commands, and it’s highly versatile and powerful. This one function replaces numerous additional functions and can mimic the majority of pivot table capabilities.

Once you’re ready, we’ll get started by utilizing real-world examples to show you how to select multiple columns using Google Sheets Query.

Understand Google Sheets Query

Before using an example, you will need to understand how does a Google Sheets query work.

=QUERY(data, query, [headers])

Google Sheets query requires 3 arguments:

1. the data range you want to look at
2. the query you want to run, in quotation marks
3. an optional number indicating the number of header rows in your data

Select Multiple Columns using Google Sheets Query

Before we begin we will need a group of data to be used for the Google Sheets query formula.

Step 1

Know which columns you would like to select. In this example, we want to select column B and H to show the number of units each fast-food chains have. This is the query you want to run.

Step 2

To begin the query formula, we select an empty cell to input the formula. In this example, it will be K1. Then, we will insert an equal symbol followed by ‘QUERY’ and an open bracket. There will be a blue question mark at the side, you can click on it to reveal the arguments needed for this function to work.

Step 3

Next, we insert our argument. We will select A1: I51 as our data range, which is our first argument. Then, we will insert “SELECT B, H”, which is our second argument. Always remember to close any formulas with a closing bracket to signify that the formula is now complete.

Step 4

Once you press Enter, columns B and H will appear. It will look something like this.

Summary

That’s all there is to it. You are welcome to copy the example spreadsheet below to see how it is done. The most crucial lesson is to enjoy yourself while doing it.

Example Spreadsheet: Make a copy of the example spreadsheet

In this tutorial, I covered how to make categories in google sheets. Want more? Check out all the Google Sheets Tutorials.

More ways to query in Google Sheets:

• Select Rows that Contain String
• Use “Not Equal” in QUERY
• How to Create a Pivot Table with QUERY
• How to Use Order By
• How to Use Group By
• How to Filter by Date Range
• TODAY Function
• COUNT Function
• SUM Function
• Extract Top N Values from Range
• Return Only Unique Rows
• QUERY From Another Sheet
• QUERY From Multiple Sheets
• Use CONCAT with QUERY
• Use IMPORTRANGE with Conditions
• Use IMPORTRANGE with Multiple Sheets
• QUERY Using Month
• Use Cell Reference in Formula
• Multiple Criteria in QUERY
• Wildcard Characters
• Label Clause
• Sort with Google Sheets QUERY
• Use Both QUERY & FILTER Together

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