Reference number: CH000892

How do I add or remove a row or column in Excel?

Question:

How do I add or remove a row or column in Excel?

Answer:

Below is additional information about how to add and remove a column or row in Microsoft Excel

Adding a row

1. Move to a cell where you wish to add a row. For example, if you wanted to create a row on the '3' row you would move to A3 or anywhere else on row 3.
2. Once positioned click Insert and select Rows. This option will not be available if you're highlighting columns and not rows.

Tip: If you wish to insert multiple rows at once highlight more than one row and then click Insert and select Rows. For example, if you wanted to insert four rows on row 3 you highlight row 3 and the three rows below it by clicking and dragging your mouse on the number 3, 4, 5, and 6 and then click Insert and select Rows.

Removing a row

1. Highlight the row or rows you wish to delete.
2. Click Edit and select delete.

Using the above steps will delete the row or rows and move the rows beneath up. If you just wish to delete the contents of the rows simply press the delete key on the keyboard.

Adding a column

1. Move to a cell where you wish to add a column. For example, if you wanted to create a column on the 'C' column you would move to C1 or anywhere else on column C.
2. Once positioned click Insert and select Columns. This option will not be available if you're highlighting rows and not columns.

Tip: If you wish to insert multiple columns at once highlight more than one column and then click Insert and select Columns. For example, if you wanted to insert four rows on Column C you highlight column C and the three columns to the right of it by clicking and dragging your mouse on the letters C, D, E, and F and then click Insert and select Column.

Removing a column

1. Highlight the column or columns you wish to delete.
2. Click Edit and select delete.

Using the above steps will delete the column or columns and move the columns to the right over. If you just wish to delete the contents of the columns simply press the delete key on the keyboard.