Abstract: A programmable bit shift circuit in which data can be shifted in one operation by as many bit positions as desired, m input data lines and n output data lines are provided intersecting each other with n>m. Switching elements such as transmission gates are provided at intersections of the input and output data lines. The control electrodes of switching elements at the intersections of the first through m-th input data lines and the j-th through (j+m-l)-th output data lines for each integer value of j equal to or less than (n-m+l) are interconnected. Shift control signals are coupled to the interconnected control electrodes.