How to Use Excel's COLUMNS Function in Pandas

Excel's COLUMNS function: Return number of columns in range.

This guide explains in depth how to replicate Excel's COLUMNS functionality in Python using pandas and numpy.

We will cover syntax, multiple examples, edge cases, performance considerations, common mistakes, and best practices.

Implementing the Columns function in Pandas#

To mimic Excel's COLUMNS in pandas, you can use several approaches depending on context.

Below are multiple strategies, each with pros and cons.

These code examples also illustrate performance differences and how to handle missing data.

Basic usage in pandas#

Simple equivalent of COLUMNS using core pandas methods.

Useful for small datasets and straightforward logic.

import pandas as pd
df = pd.DataFrame({'A':[1,2], 'B':[3,4], 'C':[5,6]})
print(len(df.columns))

Copy!

Alternative using numpy#

For performance-sensitive tasks, numpy can be faster than pandas.

This approach is vectorized and avoids Python loops.

import pandas as pd
df = pd.DataFrame({'A':[1,2], 'B':[3,4], 'C':[5,6]})
print(df.to_numpy().shape[1])

Copy!

Advanced usage#

For complex business logic, combine pandas, numpy, and custom functions.

This is useful when porting long Excel formulas into maintainable Python code.

import pandas as pd
df = pd.DataFrame(columns=pd.MultiIndex.from_product([['X','Y'], ['A','B','C']]))
print(len(df.columns))  # 6 total leaf columns

Copy!

Common mistakes when using COLUMNS in Python#

Here are common mistakes when replicating Excel logic in pandas:

These include indexing errors, type mismatches, handling NaN values, and misinterpreting Excel defaults.

We provide at least three examples for clarity.

Indexing differences#

Excel uses 1-based indexing, pandas uses 0-based.

# Excel is 1-based, pandas iloc is 0-based:
import pandas as pd
df = pd.DataFrame({'A':[10,20], 'B':[30,40]})
excel_row, excel_col = 2, 2  # B2
value = df.iloc[excel_row-1, excel_col-1]
print(value)

Copy!

Type coercion issues#

Excel coerces types differently than pandas.

import pandas as pd
df = pd.DataFrame({'num':['10','20','x']})
df['num_num'] = pd.to_numeric(df['num'], errors='coerce')
print(df)

Copy!

NA handling#

Excel ignores blanks, pandas uses NaN.

import pandas as pd
df = pd.DataFrame({'A':[1,None,3]})
print(df['A'].fillna(0))  # Excel often treats blanks as 0 in some functions

Copy!

Performance assumptions#

Excel is fine with small datasets, pandas/numpy scale better for large data.

import pandas as pd
df = pd.DataFrame({'A': range(1_000)})
# Avoid row-wise loops:
total_loop = 0
for _, r in df.iterrows():
    total_loop += r['A']
# Prefer vectorization:
total_vec = df['A'].sum()
print(total_vec)

Copy!

Understanding the Columns Formula in Excel#

The COLUMNS function in Excel allows users to return number of columns in range.

Syntax and parameters are flexible, allowing for optional arguments and different modes of operation.

=COLUMNS(array)

Excel formulas can be combined with other functions, making this versatile in reporting and analysis.

COLUMNS Excel Syntax

Examples