Difference between row and column
In this article, we are going to discuss the comparison between row and column. Although many of us are familiar with both terms, it is still important to know the difference between them. The common difference between them is of directions that are horizontal and vertical. But in this article, we will also see other differences between row and column.
If the basics are not clear, the difference between rows and columns might get confusing. Here, we will discuss both terms separately, and then we will see their comparison. So, without any delay, let’s start the topic.
Row
A row is defined as a horizontal arrangement of things. They spread from left to right. It is said to be the group of cells that are arranged horizontally to provide consistency. In a spreadsheet, rows are represented by the numbers written on the left-hand side. The total of the row values is shown at the extreme right. A row is an order where figures or objects are placed in a straight line. In the below diagram, we can see the arrangement of rows placed horizontally form left to right.
In the Database management system, rows are called records that contain fields. Each row has a unique number that represents it. In Microsoft excel, there are 1,048,576 numbers of rows. Examples of a row include the seats of a classroom in a school; seats of a movie theatre are allotted as ‘row number 2 seat number 101’, etc.
The arrangement of data in the form of rows makes the data convenient, prominent, and understandable for the user. So, that is the description of rows. Now let’s see the description of columns.
Column
The column is defined as a vertical arrangement of things. It is said to be the group of cells that are aligned vertically. In the Database management system, columns are called fields that contain the collection of characters. They spread from top to bottom. The alphabet generally represents the headings of columns. The total of column values is shown at the extreme bottom. In the below figure, we can see the arrangement of the columns placed vertically from top to bottom.
In a table, columns are separated by lines that increase the attractiveness and readability of data. The line between the columns helps to make the comparison between columns and placing them side by side.
In Microsoft excel, there are 16,384 numbers of columns.
Row v/s Column
Now, let’s see the comparison between row and column. We are comparing both terms on the basis of some characteristics.
| On the basis of | Row | Column |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | The order of objects in a row is horizontal. | In a column, the objects are placed vertically. |
| Arrangement | The arrangement of rows is from left to right. | Columns are arranged from top to bottom. |
| Total | The total of the values of rows is shown at extreme right. | The total of the values of columns is shown at the extreme bottom. |
| Known as | In DBMS, rows are also known as records. | In Matrix, horizontal arrays are rows.In DBMS, columns are known as fields. In Matrix, vertical arrays are columns. |
| Indication of headings | In a spreadsheet, the row headings are indicated by numbers. | In a spreadsheet, the columns headings are represented by alphabets. |
| Example | Examples of a row include the seats of a classroom in a school, etc. | The examples of a column include an application form. |
Both rows and columns are the primary part of a table and are used to store data. Now, let’s see some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to rows and columns.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
Question 1 – Define row and column in a matrix.
Answer 1 – In a matrix, the horizontal arrangement of the numbers is called rows, and the vertical arrangement of data is called columns.
Question 2 – How the headings of rows and columns are represented in a spreadsheet?
Answer 2 – In a spreadsheet, the headings of rows are represented with numbers, whereas the headings of columns are represented with alphabets.
Question 3 – How elements are arranged in rows and columns?
Answer 3 – In rows, elements are arranged from left to right, whereas in columns, elements are arranged from top to bottom.