Printing Problems

How to Print One Excel Column Across Multiple Columns per Page

John Wilson Oct 14, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to rearrange a long single-column list of data into several print columns so that the values flow down one column and continue in the next on the same printed page.

How to Print One Excel Column Across Multiple Columns per Page

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Preparing a lengthy single-column dataset for printing without wasting paper.
Observed behavior: The spreadsheet prints the data in a single column down the left side of multiple pages, leaving the majority of the paper blank instead of flowing the data into multiple columns.

Before you start

Ensure you are using a spreadsheet version that supports dynamic array formulas like WRAPCOLS, and identify the exact cell range of your single-column data before proceeding.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the WRAPCOLS Function to Create a Print Layout

Use the dynamic array function WRAPCOLS to easily convert a single column into multiple columns based on a specified row count.

Since Excel does not have a built-in 'newspaper columns' print setting, creating a separate print area using the WRAPCOLS function is the most efficient workaround. This function takes your long list and automatically wraps it into a new column after a certain number of rows.

Select a destination cell

Click on a blank cell in your current worksheet, or create a new worksheet dedicated to printing.

Enter the WRAPCOLS formula

Type the formula =WRAPCOLS(A1:A100, 40) into the cell. Replace 'A1:A100' with your actual data range, and '40' with the number of rows you want to fit in each printed column.

Define the print area

Highlight the newly generated multi-column data block. Navigate to the Page Layout tab on the ribbon, click Print Area, and select Set Print Area.

Adjust page breaks

Go to the View tab and click Page Break Preview. Drag the blue lines to ensure all your new columns fit neatly onto a single page width.

Use the WRAPCOLS Function to Create a Print Layout

Dynamic Updates: Because this layout relies on a formula, any changes you make to the original single column will automatically update in your multi-column print layout.

Solution 2

Export to Microsoft Word for Column Layouts

If your spreadsheet software does not support the WRAPCOLS function, pasting the data into a word processor is a reliable alternative.

Print Efficiently with WPS Spreadsheet

Format and Print Long Columns Easily in WPS Office

WPS Spreadsheet fully supports dynamic array formulas like WRAPCOLS and provides highly intuitive Page Layout tools to help you arrange and print your data without wasting paper.

1. Open your data in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office, open your spreadsheet, and locate the single column of data you wish to print.
2. Apply the WRAPCOLS formula: In a blank area or new sheet, enter =WRAPCOLS(A1:A200, 50) to split your list into columns of 50 rows each.
3. Set your Print Area: Select the newly formed columns, go to the Page Layout tab, click Print Area, and choose Set Print Area.
4. Preview and Print: Click the Print Preview icon to ensure your data fits perfectly across the page, then hit Print.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats and advanced dynamic array formulas.Built-in Print Preview allows you to adjust margins and column scaling seamlessly.Create professional, newspaper-style print layouts in seconds.Lightweight, fast, and highly accessible for everyday office tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel only print on the left side of the page?

By default, spreadsheet software prints data exactly as it is laid out in the worksheet grid. If your data consists of a single column, it will print as a single column and leave the remaining width of the paper blank.

What does the WRAPCOLS function do?

The WRAPCOLS function takes a one-dimensional array (like a single row or column of data) and wraps it into a two-dimensional grid based on a specified maximum number of rows per column.

How do I hide the original single column when printing?

You do not need to delete the original column. Simply highlight only the new multi-column area generated by the WRAPCOLS formula, go to Page Layout, and click Set Print Area. The printer will then ignore the original single column.

Are there other formulas besides WRAPCOLS for this task?

Yes, older versions of Excel can achieve this using complex combinations of the INDEX, ROW, and COLUMN functions, but these are generally much harder to set up and prone to errors compared to using WRAPCOLS.

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