If your Excel columns show numbers instead of letters, the R1C1 reference style is turned on. To switch back, go to File > Options > Formulas and uncheck R1C1 reference style. On a Mac, go to Excel > Preferences > Calculation and clear Use R1C1 reference style. The column headings change back to A, B, C.
This guide follows Microsoft’s Columns and rows are labeled numerically in Excel troubleshooting article and its My column headings are labeled with numbers instead of letters in Excel for Mac support article.
How to Change Excel Columns Back to Letters on Windows
- Select File > Options. You may need to select More first.
- Select Formulas.
- Under Working with formulas, uncheck R1C1 reference style.
- Select OK.
Result: The column headings show A, B, C again. Microsoft says this option changes both the row and column headings and the cell references in your formulas, so formulas switch back to the familiar A1 style too. (Microsoft’s troubleshooting article still says Tools > Options, a menu from older Excel versions.)
How to Change Excel Columns Back to Letters on a Mac
Microsoft’s Mac article lists these steps:
- On the Excel menu, select Preferences.
- Under Formulas and Lists, select Calculation.
- Clear the Use R1C1 reference style check box.
Result: Microsoft says the column headings now show A, B, and C instead of 1, 2, 3.
What R1C1 Means
Microsoft says Excel uses the A1 reference style by default, with columns as letters and rows as numbers. In the R1C1 style, both rows and columns are numbered, and a cell is named with “R” plus its row number and “C” plus its column number. So cell B3 in A1 style is R3C2 in R1C1 style.
Formula references look different too. For example, a relative reference can show as RC[-2] instead of a normal cell address.
Why R1C1 Turned On by Itself
The most common cause: the first workbook you open in an Excel session sets the reference style for every workbook in that session. If someone sends you a file saved in R1C1 style and it’s the first one you open, your own files will show numbered columns too.
There is a quick fix besides the Options setting: close all your Excel files, then open a workbook you created that shows letters first. Excel switches back to A1 style, and files you open afterward follow it. A macro can also change the setting, since VBA can set Excel’s reference style directly.
When R1C1 Is Useful
Microsoft says R1C1 style is useful for computing row and column positions in macros. It can help when you need to count columns, such as for a VLOOKUP column number. For everyday work, most people stick with A1, and R1C1 is mostly kept for compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will switching back to letters break my formulas?
Microsoft describes the option as a change in reference style for the headings and cell references. Most worksheets work either way unless a formula relies on one reference style.
Why are my row headings still numbers?
That’s normal. Rows are numbered in both A1 and R1C1 styles. Only the column headings change.
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- How to put Excel column A on the right side
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