SharePoint Document Issues

How to Duplicate a Microsoft Lists Column and Its Data

Natalie Taylor Oct 12, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to duplicate an existing column and copy all of its underlying data to a new column within Microsoft Lists or SharePoint.

How to Duplicate a Microsoft Lists Column and Its Data

Product: Microsoft Lists / SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Modifying a list structure where an existing column's data needs to be cloned for independent tracking or display purposes.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Lists and SharePoint do not provide a native, out-of-the-box command to duplicate a column and its values directly.

Before you start

Verify that you have Edit or Full Control permissions for the target Microsoft List or SharePoint site before attempting to modify column structures or add new list settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Calculated Column to Display Original Values

This is the quickest workaround if you only need to view the duplicate data alongside the original without editing it independently.

A calculated column automatically reads data from an existing column and displays it. However, because it relies on a formula, the duplicated data will automatically update if the original column changes and cannot be manually edited.

Add a new column

Open your Microsoft List or SharePoint list, scroll to the right of your column headers, and click '+ Add column'.

Select calculated type

Scroll down the dropdown menu, select 'More...', and then choose 'Calculated (calculation based on other columns)' from the list settings page.

Enter column details

Provide a name for your new duplicated column in the 'Column name' field.

Apply the formula

In the Formula box, type an equals sign (=) followed by the exact name of the original column enclosed in brackets (e.g., =[Original Column Name]).

Save the column

Choose the appropriate data type returned by the formula (such as Single line of text) and click 'OK' or 'Save' to apply the changes.

Use a Calculated Column to Display Original Values

Editing Limitations: Because this is a calculated column, you cannot manually edit the values in this duplicated column. Any changes must be made in the original column.

Solution 2

Export to a Spreadsheet and Reimport the Data

Use this method if you need the duplicated column to be completely independent and manually editable without relying on formulas.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Exported SharePoint Lists Easily with WPS Office

When exporting Microsoft Lists or SharePoint data to modify and duplicate columns locally, WPS Office serves as a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Excel for all your spreadsheet management needs.

1. Open Exported List: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the CSV or Excel file exported from Microsoft Lists.
2. Duplicate Column: Select the entire column you wish to duplicate, press Ctrl+C, right-click an empty column, and paste it with Ctrl+V.
3. Save and Reimport: Save the file securely and upload it back to Microsoft Lists using the 'Create from Excel' option.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx and .csv) formatsEasily duplicate, edit, and format exported list columns locallyLightweight and fast performance for handling large SharePoint datasetsFamiliar user interface makes transitioning from MS Office completely seamless

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit the data in a calculated column after duplication?

No, a calculated column pulls its data dynamically based on the formula provided and is strictly read-only. To have an independently editable duplicate column, you must use Power Automate or the export/import method.

Will duplicating a column via Power Automate sync future updates automatically?

By default, a basic Power Automate flow runs once to copy the existing data. If you want future updates from the original column to sync to the duplicate, you must configure a specific trigger in your flow for 'When an item or a file is modified'.

Why is there no direct duplicate button for columns in Microsoft Lists?

Microsoft Lists and SharePoint treat columns as unique structural metadata elements. A direct duplication feature is not natively supported in order to prevent accidental data redundancy and schema conflicts on the backend.

Document & File Issues