What is column group in Google Sheets?
Column Group is part of filtering, sorting, grouping, or protecting data in Google Sheets. These tools change what people see or who can edit without necessarily changing stored values.
When to use it
Use it when a shared sheet needs safe views, ordered reports, or edit restrictions on sensitive ranges.
When to skip it
Skip filters and sorts baked into a source table when QUERY or a filter view is easier to reset.
Better Sheets resources
Related Tutorials
Watch how column group works
How to Merge Cells in Google Sheets
Related blog posts
Guides that explain column group in more depth.
Related terms
filters in Google Sheets
Filtering hides rows that do not match criteria without deleting data. The filter toolbar on a header row is the fastest UI path. FILTER and QUERY formulas build dynamic views that update when source data changes, which suits dashboards and reporting tabs.
Read guide →sorting data in Sheets
Sorting reorders rows by one or more columns. The Data > Sort range menu sorts selection in place. The SORT function returns a sorted copy that updates when inputs change. Always decide whether related columns must move together as a single row unit.
Read guide →protect sheets/ranges
Protection limits who can edit specific cells, ranges, or entire tabs while others keep view or comment access. It is how you let teammates update input columns without touching formula blocks, summary rows, or archived data. Protection is not encryption; owners and editors with rights can still adjust protections.
Read guide →Filter view
A filter view is a saved set of column filters with its own name and optional owner color. Each collaborator can open a different view on the same tab without changing what others see. Share a filter view link so a manager opens only their region or only open tickets instantly.
Read guide →Done reading about column group?
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