🚀 Mastering Row and Column Reversal in Excel – From Classic to Cutting Edge!

You might be preparing data for dashboards. Or you may want to flip a row or column for better analysis. Excel has you covered, no matter which version you’re using. In this post, we’ll walk through three powerful ways to reverse a row or column:

• ✅ Using traditional array formulas (Excel 2019 or earlier)
• ✅ Using dynamic arrays (Excel 365 / Excel 2021+)
• ✅ Creating reusable LAMBDA functions for clean, modern workbooks

🔁 Reversing a Row in Excel

Let’s say you have values in C2:H2 that you want to reverse.

✅ Excel 2019 and Earlier (Array Formula)

Paste the following array formula in the first cell (e.g., K3) and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter:

=INDEX($C$2:$H$2, COLUMNS($C$2:$H$2) - (COLUMN(C2) - COLUMN($C$2)))

Drag across to reverse the full row.

✨ Modern Excel (Excel 365 / 2021+)

If you’re lucky enough to have dynamic arrays, this version is sleek and simple:

=LET(r, C2:H2, n, COLUMNS(r), INDEX(r, SEQUENCE(1, n, n, -1)))

It uses LET and SEQUENCE to dynamically flip the row in a single formula.

♻️ Reusable Function with LAMBDA

Why write it over and over? Define this named function in the Name Manager:

Function Name: REVERSEROW
Formula:

=LAMBDA(rowRange, LET(n, COLUMNS(rowRange), INDEX(rowRange, SEQUENCE(1, n, n, -1))))

Then, just use it like this:

=REVERSEROW(C2:H2)

Boom! Cleaner sheets.

🔃 Reversing a Column in Excel

Let’s now reverse a vertical list like C2:C7.

✅ Excel 2019 and Earlier (Array Formula)

Enter this in the first cell (e.g., K12) and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter:

=INDEX($C$2:$C$7, ROWS($C$2:$C$7) - (ROW(C2) - ROW($C$2)))

Drag down to complete the reversal.

✨ Modern Excel (Excel 365 / 2021+)

For newer versions with dynamic arrays:

=LET(c, C2:C7, n, ROWS(c), INDEX(c, SEQUENCE(n, 1, n, -1)))

Same approach—just vertical this time!

♻️ Reusable Function with LAMBDA

Create a simple REVERSECOL function for columns:

Function Name: REVERSECOL
Formula:

=LAMBDA(colRange, LET(n, ROWS(colRange), INDEX(colRange, SEQUENCE(n, 1, n, -1))))

Usage:

=REVERSECOL(C2:C7)

🔧 How to Add a LAMBDA Function

1. Go to the Formulas tab → Name Manager
2. Click New, enter a function name like REVERSEROW
3. Paste in the LAMBDA formula
4. Click OK and use it just like a built-in Excel function!

✨ Why Use LAMBDA?

✅ Cleaner formulas
✅ Easier to reuse
✅ Works just like native functions
✅ Keeps your spreadsheets organized and scalable

Final Thoughts

Excel provides powerful options for data manipulation. You can flip rows to prepare data for charts. Alternatively, you can reverse columns for cleaner reports. Use these tricks to save time and make your spreadsheets smarter—especially with the magic of LAMBDA.