Transpose DataFrame pandas – Using the pandas transpose Function

The pandas transpose function allows us to transpose a dataframe. Transposing a dataframe reflects the rows into columns and columns into rows over the main diagonal.

transposed_df = df.transpose()

We can also use the pandas T function to transpose a dataframe.

transposed_df = df.T

When working with data as a data science or data analyst, manipulating the structure of our datasets can be very useful for the efficient processing of data.

We can use the pandas tranpose function to transpose dataframes. Transposing a dataframe involves reflecting the rows into columns over the main diagonal, and reflecting the columns into rows over the main diagonal.

Let’s say I have the following dataframe.

    Name  Weight Change
0    Jim         -16.20
1  Sally          12.81
2    Bob         -20.45
3    Sue          15.35
4   Jill         -12.43
5  Larry         -18.52

We can use the pandas transpose function to transpose this dataframe in the following way.

print(df.tranpose())

#Output:
                  0      1      2      3      4      5
Name            Jim  Sally    Bob    Sue   Jill  Larry
Weight Change -16.2  12.81 -20.45  15.35 -12.43 -18.52

You can also see here that the transpose of a transposed dataframe is the original dataframe.

print(df.tranpose().tranpose())

#Output:
    Name  Weight Change
0    Jim         -16.20
1  Sally          12.81
2    Bob         -20.45
3    Sue          15.35
4   Jill         -12.43
5  Larry         -18.52

Is there a difference between the pandas transpose and pandas T functions?

There is no difference between the pandas transpose and pandas T functions. The pandas T function is uses the pandas transpose function directly.

Let’s say we have the same dataframe as above, and let’s call both the pandas tranpose function and pandas T function to transpose the dataframe.

transposed_with_transpose = df.transpose()
transposed_with_T = df.T

print(transposed_with_transpose)
print(transposed_with_T)

#Output:
                  0      1      2      3      4      5
Name            Jim  Sally    Bob    Sue   Jill  Larry
Weight Change -16.2  12.81 -20.45  15.35 -12.43 -18.52

                  0      1      2      3      4      5
Name            Jim  Sally    Bob    Sue   Jill  Larry
Weight Change -16.2  12.81 -20.45  15.35 -12.43 -18.52

As you can see above, the results are the same. The pandas tranpose function and the pandas T function produce the same results.

Hopefully this article has been helpful for you in your understanding of the pandas transpose function and how to transpose dataframes in pandas.