How can you remove a single column without losing data from adjacent columns?

To remove a single column without losing data from adjacent columns, the most effective method is to right-click the column header and choose "Delete," then select the option to shift cells left. This action specifically removes the entire column, while the data in adjacent columns remains intact. The shifted cells fill in the space left by the deleted column, ensuring that the overall structure of your worksheet is preserved.

By contrast, simply using the Delete option in the Home tab might lead to different results depending on how it's applied; it often refers to just clearing contents rather than removing the column itself. Hitting the Backspace key will only clear the content of the selected cells without removing the column, and highlighting column cells and deleting their contents similarly does not affect the structure of the worksheet, as it merely Erases the data but keeps the column in place. This process also leads to confusion in managing the layout if you need to delete multiple columns or adjust data effectively. The chosen method of right-clicking not only simplifies the process but ensures your adjacent data stays where it should be.