Excel insert row in cell

Insert or delete rows and columns

Insert and delete rows and columns to organize your worksheet better.

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Note: Microsoft Excel has the following column and row limits: 16,384 columns wide by 1,048,576 rows tall.

Insert or delete a column

  1. Select any cell within the column, then go to Home > Insert > Insert Sheet Columns or Delete Sheet Columns.

  2. Alternatively, right-click the top of the column, and then select Insert or Delete

Insert or delete a row

  1. Select any cell within the row, then go to Home > Insert > Insert Sheet Rows or Delete Sheet Rows.

  2. Alternatively, right-click the row number, and then select Insert or Delete.

Formatting options

When you select a row or column that has formatting applied, that formatting will be transferred to a new row or column that you insert. If you don’t want the formatting to be applied, you can select the Insert Options button after you insert, and choose from one of the options as follows:

Image of the Insert Options button that's displayed after inserting rows or columns.

If the Insert Options button isn’t visible, then go to File > Options > Advanced > in the Cut, copy and paste group, check the Show Insert Options buttons option.

Insert rows

To insert a single row: Right-click the whole row above which you want to insert the new row, and then select Insert Rows.

To insert multiple rows: Select the same number of rows above which you want to add new ones. Right-click the selection, and then select Insert Rows.

Insert columns

To insert a single column: Right-click the whole column to the right of where you want to add the new column, and then select Insert Columns.

To insert multiple columns: Select the same number of columns to the right of where you want to add new ones. Right-click the selection, and then select Insert Columns.

Delete cells, rows, or columns

If you don’t need any of the existing cells, rows or columns, here’s how to delete them:

  1. Select the cells, rows, or columns that you want to delete.

  2. Right-click, and then select the appropriate delete option, for example, Delete Cells & Shift UpDelete Cells & Shift Left, Delete Rows, or Delete Columns

When you delete rows or columns, other rows or columns automatically shift up or to the left.

Tip: If you change your mind right after you deleted a cell, row, or column, just press Ctrl+Z to restore it.

Insert cells

To insert a single cell:

  1. Right-click the cell above which you want to insert a new cell.

  2. Select Insert, and then select Cells & Shift Down.

To insert multiple cells:

  1. Select the same number of cells above which you want to add the new ones.

  2. Right-click the selection, and then select Insert > Cells & Shift Down.

Need more help?

You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community or get support in the Answers community.

See Also

Basic tasks in Excel

Overview of formulas in Excel

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What is Insert Row in Excel?

The insertion of an excel row is simply the addition of a new (blank) row to the worksheet. The insertion of a row is eased with the help of shortcuts. A shortcut reduces the time taken to perform a task. This is because pressing a single key or combinations of keys help shorten an otherwise lengthy process.

For example, while working on some financial entries, a bank executive noticed that a row containing the totals of the columns is missing. A quick insertion of a blank row is carried out with the help of the shortcut keys “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+).”

Shortcuts considerably improve the productivity of the Excel users. These shortcuts need not be memorized. This is because, with regular usage, one tends to learn them.

This article discusses the major shortcuts of inserting a row in Excel. For better clarity, all techniques have been explained with the help of examples.

Table of contents
  • What is Insert Row in Excel?
    • Top 3 Keyboard Shortcuts to Insert a Row in Excel
      • Example #1–Insert a Row Using “Ctrl+Plus Sign (+)” or “Ctrl+Shift+Plus Sign (+)”
      • Example #2–Insert a Row Using the “Insert” Dialog Box
      • Example #3–Insert a Row Using “ALT+I+R”
    • How to Insert Multiple Rows Using a Shortcut Key?
      • Example #4–Insert Multiple Rows Using “Ctrl+Plus Sign (+)” or “Ctrl+Shift+Plus Sign (+)”
    • Frequently Asked Questions 
    • Recommended Articles

Top 3 Keyboard Shortcuts to Insert a Row in Excel

The top three shortcuts to insert a row in Excel are listed as follows:

  1. “Ctrl+plus sign (+)” or “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+)”
  2. “Insert” dialog box
  3. “ALT+I+R”

Use the shortcut which works on your device and is easy to be applied. Once the insertion of a row is complete, one can press F4 to repeat the last task.

Let us consider some examples to understand the working of these excel shortcutsAn Excel shortcut is a technique of performing a manual task in a quicker way.read more.

Example #1–Insert a Row Using “Ctrl+Plus Sign (+)” or “Ctrl+Shift+Plus Sign (+)”

The following image shows the names (column A) and the date of birth (column B) of ten people. We want to perform the following tasks:

  • Insert a new row 6 with the shortcuts “Ctrl+plus sign (+)” or “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+).”
  • Show how to format the newly inserted row (row 6).

The steps to insert a new excel row (row 6) are listed as follows:

  1. Select any cell of row 6. Press the shortcut keys “Shift+spacebar” together. The entire row 6 is selected, as shown in the following image.

    insert row shortcut Eample 2

  2. Once the entire row is selected, press the keys “Ctrl+plus sign (+)” or “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+).” The keys of each shortcut must be pressed together.

    In the succeeding image, we have applied the former shortcut [Ctrl+plus sign (+)].

    Note 1: The shortcut “Ctrl+plus sign (+)” works only on those devices which have a numeric keypad (number pad) to the right of a regular keyboard. For this shortcut to work, press the “Ctrl” key from the regular keyboard and the plus sign (+) from the number pad.

    Note 2: The shortcut “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+)” works on devices which do not have a separate numeric keypad. Such devices have a regular keyboard.

    insert row shortcut Eample 2-1

  3. A blank row 6 is inserted with both the preceding shortcuts (entered in step 2). This new row is shown in the following image.

    With the insertion of the new row 6, the entries of the initial row 6 are shifted downwards to row 7. Moreover, a paintbrush icon appears immediately below the newly inserted row (row 6).

    insert row shortcut Eample 2-2

  4. To format the new row 6, hover the mouse over the paintbrush icon. Thereafter, click the drop-down arrow, as shown in the succeeding image. The formatting styles displayed are explained as follows:

    • Format same as above: This applies the formatting of the immediately preceding row (row 5) to row 6.
    • Format same as below: This applies the formatting of the immediately following row (row 7) to row 6.
    • Clear formatting: This removes the formatting of row 6.
    One can select any of the preceding styles. Based on this selection, the newly inserted row (row 6) is formatted.

    Note: The paintbrush icon may not appear each time a new row is inserted. In case it does not appear, one can format the newly inserted row in either of the following ways:

    • Select the newly inserted row, right-click and select “format cells” from the context menu.
    • Use the format painter icon from the “clipboard” group of the Home tab of Excel.

    insert row shortcut Eample 2-3

Example #2–Insert a Row Using the “Insert” Dialog Box

Working on the data of example #1, we want to insert a new row 6 with the “insert” dialog box. Use the shortcut method.

The steps to insert a row with the “insert” dialog box are listed as follows:

Step 1: Select any cell of row 6. Press the keys “Ctrl+plus sign (+)” or “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+).” The keys of each shortcut must be pressed together.

The “insert” dialog box opens with both these shortcuts. The succeeding image shows the result of using the former shortcut [Ctrl+plus sign (+)].

Note 1: The shortcut “Ctrl+plus sign (+)” works with keyboards having a numeric pad on the right side. The shortcut “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+)” works on all the regular keyboards.

Note 2: If a cell is selected prior to pressing the preceding shortcuts (entered in step 1), the “insert” dialog box is displayed. However, if a row is selected, these shortcuts insert a new row directly.

ctrl +

Step 2: The “insert” dialog box displays the following options:

  • Shift cells right: This shifts the content of the selected cell (selected in step 1) to the cell on the immediate right.
  • Shift cells down: This shifts the content of the selected cell (selected in step 1) to the immediately following cell.
  • Entire row: This inserts a new row preceding the row of the selected cell (selected in step 1).
  • Entire column: This inserts a new column to the immediate left of the selected cell (selected in step 1).

Since we want to insert excel row 6, we select the option “entire row.” A new, blank row 6 is inserted, as shown in the following image. With this insertion, the entries of the initial row 6 shift to row 7.

insert row shortcut Eample 3-1

Example #3–Insert a Row Using “ALT+I+R”

Working on the data of example #1, we want to insert a new row 6 with the shortcut “Alt+I+R.”

The steps to insert a row with the shortcut “Alt+I+R” are listed as follows:

Step 1: Select any cell of row 6. We have selected cell A6, as shown in the following image. Alternatively, one can select the entire row 6 with the help of “Shift+spacebar.”

insert row shortcut Eample 4

Step 2: Press the keys “ALT+I+R” to insert a new row. A blank row 6 is inserted, as shown in the following image. With this insertion, the entries of the initial row 6 shift to row 7.

Note: The shortcut “ALT+I+R” does not work in all the versions of Excel. It works only in the modern versions of Excel.

insert row shortcut Eample 4-1

How to Insert Multiple Rows Using a Shortcut Key?

Let us consider an example to understand the insertion of multiple rowsThe top four methods to insert multiple rows are in excel are — Using INSERT Option, Using shortcut Key — shift + space bar, Copy & Paste Method, Using the Name Box.
read more
 with the help of shortcuts. For inserting multiple rows, one must know beforehand the number of rows to be inserted. This is because Excel inserts the same number of rows as the initial rows selected.

Example #4–Insert Multiple Rows Using “Ctrl+Plus Sign (+)” or “Ctrl+Shift+Plus Sign (+)”

Working on the data of example #1, we want to insert five rows (row 6 to row 10) beginning from row 6. Use the shortcut method.

The steps to insert multiple rows by using shortcuts are listed as follows:

Step 1: Select rows 6 to 10. This is because we want to insert five rows starting from row 6. The rows can be selected in either of the following ways:

  • Select cell A6. Hold the “Shift” key and press the down arrow to select the cells A6 to A10. Press “Shift+spacebar” to select rows 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 in one go.
  • Press and drag the left button of the mouse on the row numbers 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

The selected rows are shown in the following image.

insert row shortcut Eample 5

Step 2: Once the required number of rows is selected, press the keys “Ctrl+plus sign (+)” or “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+).” The keys of each shortcut need to be pressed together.

In the succeeding image, the rows 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are inserted with the keys “Ctrl+plus sign (+).” Hence, five blank rows are inserted beginning with row 6. With this insertion, the entries of the initial rows 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are shifted downwards to rows 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

Note 1: Use the shortcut “Ctrl+plus sign (+)” on the keyboard having a separate numeric keypad. On a regular keyboard, use the shortcut “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+).”

Note 2: If multiple rows are selected, both the preceding shortcuts (pressed in step 2) insert multiple rows. Since the number of inserted rows is the same as the number of rows selected initially, one must make the selections carefully (in step 1).

insert row shortcut Eample 5-1

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Define “insert row shortcut”. State the process of inserting an excel row with the different shortcuts of Excel.

The “insert row shortcut” is simply a shortcut to insert or add a row to the worksheet. There are different shortcuts available for inserting rows in Excel. One can select any of them depending on the version of Excel and the kind of keyboard being used.

The process of inserting an excel row with the different shortcuts is stated as follows:

a. “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+)”–Select the entire row preceding which a row is to be inserted. Then, press the keys of this shortcut together.
b. “Insert” dialog box–Select any cell preceding which a row is to be inserted. Thereafter, press the keys “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+)” together. Finally, select “entire row” from the “insert” dialog box.
c. “Alt+I+R”–Select any cell or an entire row preceding which a row is to be inserted. Then, press the keys of this shortcut together.

Note 1: The pointers “a”” and “b” work with regular keyboards. The pointer “c” works in the modern versions of Excel.

Note 2: To select a row, click the row number with the left button of the mouse. Alternatively, select a cell and press “Shift+spacebar”.

2. What is the process of inserting an excel row without using a mouse in Excel?

The steps for inserting an excel row without a mouse are listed as follows:

a. Select any cell of the row preceding which a new row is to be inserted.
b. Press “Shift+spacebar” together to select the entire row.
c. Press the keys “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+)” together.

A new row will be inserted preceding the selection in step “a”.

Note: To insert multiple rows without using the mouse, select multiple cells with “Shift+down arrow”. Hold the”Shift” key and press the down arrow. Thereafter, press “Shift+spacebar” to select these rows. Then, press the keys “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+)” together.

3. How to insert a row in an Excel table with the help of a shortcut?

The steps to insert a row in a table with a shortcut are listed as follows:

a. Select a cell preceding which a new row is to be inserted.
b. Press the shortcut “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+)” together.

A new, blank row is inserted within the table.

Note: Alternatively, one can press “Shift+spacebar” in step “a”. In this case, this shortcut does not select the entire row of Excel. It selects the row within the table only.

Recommended Articles

This has been a guide to inserting a row in Excel. Here we discuss how to insert a row or rows using the top 3 shortcut methods and step-by-step examples.You may learn more about Excel from the following articles–

  • VBA Insert RowTo insert rows we use worksheet method with the insert command to insert a row, we also provide a row reference where we want to insert another row similar to the columns.read more
  • Deleting Row Excel Shortcut
  • Excel Rows to ColumnsRows can be transposed to columns by using paste special method and the data can be linked to the original data by simply selecting ‘Paste Link’ form the paste special dialog box. It could also be done by using INDIRECT formula and ADDRESS functions.read more
  • How to Convert Columns to Rows?There are two ways to convert columns to rows: 1) using the Excel Ribbon Method. 2) The Mouse Method.read more
  • How to Create an Excel Spreadsheet?To create an excel spreadsheet, do the following: 1.Open MS Excel 2.Select New from the Menu dropdown list 3. Click the Blank workbook button to start a new worksheet. The keyboard shortcut for this is Ctrl + N.read more

Creating new tables, reports and pricelists of different types, we cannot predict the number of necessary rows and columns. Using Excel program implies to a great extent creating and setting up spreadsheets, which requires inserting and deleting different elements.

First, let’s consider the methods of inserting sheet rows and columns when creating spreadsheets.

Note that in this tutorial we indicate hot keys for adding or deleting rows and columns. They should be used after highlighting the whole row or column. To highlight the row where the cursor is placed, press the combination of hot keys: SHIFT+SPACEBAR. Hot keys for highlighting a column are CTRL+SPACEBAR.



How to insert a column between other columns?

Assuming you have a pricelist lacking line item numbering:

pricelist.

To insert a column between other columns for filling in pricelist items numbering you can use one of the two ways:

  1. Move the cursor to activate A1 cell. Then go to tab «HOME», tool section «Cells» and click «Insert», in the popup menu select «Insert Sheet Columns» option.
  2. Insert Sheet Columns.

  3. Right-click the heading of column A. Select «Insert» option on the shortcut menu.
  4. Right-click.

  5. Select the column, and press the hotkey combination CTRL+SHIFT+PLUS.

Now you can type the numbers of pricelist line items.

Simultaneous insertion of several columns

The pricelist still lacks two columns: quantity and units (items, kilograms, liters, packs). To add simultaneously, highlight the two-cell range (C1:D1). Then use the same tool on the «Insert»-«Insert Sheet Columns» main tab.

simultaneously.

Alternatively, highlight two headings of columns C and D, right-click and select «Insert» option.

right-click and select.

Note. Columns are always added to the left side. There appear as many new columns as many old ones have been highlighted. The order of inserted also depends on the order of highlighting. For example, next but one etc.



How to insert a row between rows in Excel?

Now let’s add a heading and a new goods line item «All for the garden» to the pricelist. To this end, let’s insert two new rows simultaneously.

Highlight the nonadjacent range of two cells A1,A4 (note that character “,” is used instead of character “:” – it means that two nonadjacent ranges should be highlighted; to make sure, type A1; A4 in the name field and press Enter). You know from the previous tutorials how to highlight nonadjacent ranges.

Now once again use the tool «HOME»-«Insert»-«Insert Sheet Columns». The picture shows how to insert a blank row between other rows in Excel.

insert a blank.

It is easy to guess the second way. You need to highlight headings of rows 1 and 3, right-click on one of the highlighted rows and select «Insert» option.

To add a row or a column in Excel use hot keys CTRL+SHIFT+PLUS having highlighted the appropriate row or column.

Note. New rows are always added above the highlighted rows.

Deleting rows and columns

When working with Excel you need to delete rows and columns as often as to insert them. Therefore, you have to practice.

By way of illustration, let’s delete from our pricelist the numbering of goods line items and the unit column simultaneously.

Highlight the nonadjacent range of cells A1; D1 and select «HOME»-«Delete»-«Delete Sheet Rows». The shortcut menu can also be used for deleting if you highlight headings A1 and D1 instead of cells.

deleting.

Row deleting is performed in the similar way. You only need to select a tool in the appropriate menu. Applying a shortcut menu is the same. You only have to highlight the rows correspondingly by row numbers.

To delete a row or a column in Excel, use hot keys CTRL+MINUS having preliminary highlighted them.

Note. Inserting new columns and rows is in fact substitution, as the number of rows (1 048 576) and columns (16 384) doesn’t change. The new just replace the old ones. You should consider this fact when filling in the sheet with data by more than 50% — 80%.

Insert Row | Insert Rows | Insert Cells

To quickly insert a row in Excel, select a row and use the shortcut CTRL SHIFT +. To quickly insert multiple rows, select multiple rows and use the same shortcut.

Insert Row

To insert a row in Excel, execute the following steps.

1. Select a row.

Select Row

2. Right click, and then click Insert.

Click Insert

Result:

Inserted Row

Note: instead of executing step 2, use the shortcut CTRL SHIFT +.

Insert Rows

To quickly insert multiple rows in Excel, execute the following steps.

1. Select multiple rows by clicking and dragging over the row headers.

Select Multiple Rows

2. Press CTRL SHIFT +.

Result:

Inserted Rows

Insert Cells

Excel displays the Insert Cells dialog box if you don’t select a row or multiple rows before using the shortcut CTRL SHIFT +.

1. Select cell A3.

Select Cell

2. Press CTRL SHIFT +.

3a. Excel automatically selects «Shift cells down». Click OK.

Insert Cells Dialog Box

Result:

Shift Cells Down

3b. To insert a row, select «Entire row» and click OK.

Select Entire Row

Result:

Insert Entire Row

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How to insert a single row in a worksheet using Excel, VBA and Shortcut methods

METHOD 1. Insert a row by selecting an entire row

EXCEL

Select an entire row > Right-click anywhere on the selected row > Click Insert

1. Select an entire row where you want to insert a new row.
Note: in this example we are inserting a new row as a second row. To select an entire row, click either on the row heading number or select the first cell of the row, press and hold the Ctrl and Shift keys and press the Right key.
Select entire row
2. Right-click anywhere on the selected row and click Insert. Right-click and click Insert

METHOD 2. Insert a row using the ribbon option

EXCEL

Select a cell in the row where you want to insert a new row > Home tab > Cells group > Insert > Insert Sheet Rows

1. Select any cell in the same row where you want to insert a new row.
Note: in this example a new row will be inserted as row 2, given we have selected a cell in the second row.
Select a cell in the same row where you want to insert a new row
2. Select the Home tab. Select Home tab - Excel
3. Click Insert in the Cells group.
4. Click Insert Sheet Rows.
Click Insert and click Insert Sheet Rows

METHOD 3. Insert a row using the cell option

EXCEL

Right-click on a cell in the row where you want to insert a new row > InsertEntire row > OK

1. Right-click on any cell in the row where you want to insert a new row.
2. Click Insert
Note: in this example a new row will be inserted as row 2, given we have right-clicked on a cell in the second row.
Right click on a cell and click Insert
3. Select the Entire row option and click OK group. Select Entire row and click OK

METHOD 1. Insert a row using VBA by selecting a single cell

VBA

Sub Insert_a_Row()

‘insert a new row as row 2
Worksheets(«Sheet1»).Range(«A2»).EntireRow.Insert

End Sub

OBJECTS
Worksheets: The Worksheets object represents all of the worksheets in a workbook, excluding chart sheets.

ADJUSTABLE PARAMETERS
Row Selection: Select where you want to insert a new row by changing the row number in the cell reference («A2»). You can also change the column reference to any column as this will have no impact on where the row will be inserted.
Worksheet Selection: Select the worksheet where you want to insert a new row by changing the Sheet1 worksheet name.

METHOD 2. Insert a row using VBA by selecting a range of cells

VBA

Sub Insert_a_Row()

‘insert a new row as row 2
Worksheets(«Sheet1»).Range(«A2:D2»).EntireRow.Insert

End Sub

OBJECTS
Worksheets: The Worksheets object represents all of the worksheets in a workbook, excluding chart sheets.

ADJUSTABLE PARAMETERS
Row Selection: Select where you want to insert a new row by changing the row number reference («A2:D2»). You can also change the column reference to any column as this will have no impact on where the row will be inserted.
Worksheet Selection: Select the worksheet where you want to insert a new row by changing the Sheet1 worksheet name.

METHOD 3. Insert a row using VBA by selecting an entire row

VBA

Sub Insert_a_Row()

‘insert a new row as Row 2
Worksheets(«Sheet1»).Range(«2:2»).EntireRow.Insert

End Sub

OBJECTS
Worksheets: The Worksheets object represents all of the worksheets in a workbook, excluding chart sheets.

ADJUSTABLE PARAMETERS
Row Selection: Select where you want to insert a new row by changing the row number reference («2:2»).
Worksheet Selection: Select the worksheet where you want to insert a new row by changing the Sheet1 worksheet name.

Insert a row using a Shortcut

SHORTCUT

WINDOWS SHORTCUT
Method 1

Method 2

NOTES

To insert a row using these shortcut methods you will need to select an entire row. If you select a single cell or a range of cells and action this shortcut an Insert dialog box will appear and you will need to select Entire row and click OK.

The Plus Sign key in the first method refers to the key on the top of the keyboard. The Plus Sign key in the second method refers to the key to the right of the keyboard, which some devices will not have. The reason why the first method requires the use of the Shift key is because the Plus Sign key is used for both Plus and Equal Signs, therefore, to activate the Plus Sign you are required to use the Shift key.

Explanation about how to insert a row

EXPLANATION

EXPLANATION
This tutorial explains and provides step by step instructions on how to insert a single row in a worksheet using Excel, VBA and Shortcut methods.

Excel Methods: Using Excel you can insert a new row by selecting an entire row or a single cell and using a ribbon or cell option.

VBA Methods: Using VBA you can insert a new row by referencing to a single cell, a range of cells or an entire row. If you want to insert a single row by referencing to a range of cells you need to ensure that the range of cells only references to a single row. As per the example in this tutorial the VBA code references to only row 2 across multiple columns («A2:D2»).

Shortcut Methods: Using a Shortcut you can instantly insert a new row by selecting the entire row where you want to insert a new row and actioning the shortcut.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Note 1: Inserting a new row will move the existing rows that are below the new row downward. In this this tutorial every row below row 2 will be moved down.
Note 2: If the last row in a worksheet has a cell that is not empty, you will not be able to insert a new row. To insert a row you will need to ensure that every cell in the last row is clear of any content.

Related Topic Description Related Topic and Description
Insert a column How to insert a single column in a worksheet using Excel, VBA and Shortcut methods
Delete a column How to delete a single column in a worksheet using Excel, VBA and Shortcut methods
Delete multiple columns How to delete multiple columns in a worksheet using Excel, VBA and Shortcut methods
Insert multiple columns How to insert multiple columns in a worksheet using Excel, VBA and Shortcut methods
Insert multiple rows How to insert multiple rows in a worksheet using Excel, VBA and Shortcut methods

Insert Row Shortcut in Excel

Insert Row Shortcut in Excel (Table of Contents)

  • Insert Row Shortcut in Excel
  • How to Insert Rows in Excel?
  • Examples to Insert Shortcut Row in Excel

Insert Shortcut Row in Excel

We have multiple ways to insert a row in Excel, and also we have some shortcut options to perform this task as well. To insert a row in excel, first select a row above which we want to see the newly inserted row either by mouse cursor or by pressing Shift + Space Bar together. Once a row is selected, Ctrl + Shift + Plus (“+”) together to insert a new row above the previously selected row. We can insert a row by pressing shortcut key Ctrl + Num Plus keys, where we can find the Num Plus key only on the Desktop keyboard or keyboard with numerical keys, which usually is located on the right side.

In this article, we will see all three option listed as follows:

  • Using Shortcut Keys to insert a new row.
  • Using the Insert cell menu to insert a new row/column.
  • Using Right-click key to insert a new row/column.

How to Insert Rows in Excel?

Let’s see a few methods to insert rows in excel.

1. Using the right-click Menu without Shortcut

  • First, select the row and choose above or below where you want to exactly insert a new one and then right-click on the row cell; then we will get the dialogue box where we will get an insert option and then click on the insert option so that the selected new row will be inserted as shown below.

Insert Rows

2. Insert Column Using right-click menu without Shortcut

  • First, select the column where exactly you want to insert a new column.
  • Right-click on the column cell.
  • We will get the dialogue box as shown in the below screenshot.
  • Click on the insert so that a new column will be inserted, as shown below.

3. Insert Row Using the Ribbon Menu

In Microsoft Excel, we can find the insert cells on the home menu, which is shown in the below screenshot.

Insert Rows using ribbon menu

Once you click on the Insert cells, we will get the following option as follows:

  • Insert Cells– This is used to insert the selected cells.

Insert Rows using ribbon menu.1

  • Insert Sheet Rows – This is used to insert the selected rows.

Insert Rows using ribbon menu.2

  • Insert Sheet Column – This is used to insert the selected column.

Insert Rows using ribbon menu.3

  • Insert Sheet– This is used to insert the entire sheet.

Insert Rows using ribbon menu.4

Examples to Insert Shortcut Row in Excel

Below are the different examples to insert shortcut row in Excel:

You can download this Insert Row Shortcut Excel Template here – Insert Row Shortcut Excel Template

Example #1 – Insert Cells

Consider the below example, which has sales data. Sometimes it is required to add additional rows and columns to add extra information in the data. So in these cases, we can insert the new cells or row in the worksheet, which is shown in the below steps as follows.

insert the row example 1.1

  • First, select the row where exactly we need a new row; here, in this example, we have selected the Third row where we need to insert a new row as shown below, which means Excel will insert the new row after the second row.

insert the row example 1.2

  • Go to the HOME menu and select Insert and click on the Insert Sheet Rows option as shown below.

insert the row example 1.3

  • After clicking on the insert option, a new row will be inserted above the fourth row, which is shown in the below screenshot.

insert the row example 1.4

We can now see the difference that a new white row has been inserted after the SKU row “97011” Now if we need to add any missing Sales data, we can easily enter the data.

Example #2 – Insert Multiple Rows

In this example, we are going to see how to insert multiple rows by following the below steps. Consider the sales data, which has Product Title, Brand, and MRP, etc. Assume that we have missed some sales data that we need to include rows at the selected one.

Example 2.1

Here in this example, we are going to insert multiple rows by following the below steps.

  • First, select the highlighted where we are going to insert the new one, as shown below.

insert the row example 2.2

  • Now click on the Insert and click on the second option, “Insert Sheet Row”.

insert the row example 2.3

  • A new row will be inserted after clicking on the Insert Sheet rows, as shown in the below screenshot.

insert the row example 2.4

  • Now do the same step to the other row to get the multiple rows, as shown in the below screenshot.

insert the row example 2.5

In Microsoft Excel, we have several shortcut keys for all functions where we have the shortcut key for deleting the row and column. The shortcut key for inserting the row is CTRL +SHIFT + ” +” (plus sign), and the same shortcuts can be used for inserting COLUMN for the same. Mostly we will be using the number pad for inserting numbers. We can also use the number pad shortcut key to INSERT the row, and the shortcut key to be applied is SHIFT+CTRL+”+”(Plus Sign).

Example #3 – Shortcut Keys to Insert a row/column using the Keyboard

The keyboard shortcut key to INSERT NEW row is SHIFT+CTRL++ “-“i.e. Plus sign we need to use it

Example 3

  • First, select the cell where you exactly need to insert a new one, as shown below.

insert the row example 3.1

  • Use the keyboard short cut key. Hold SHIFT + CTRL Key and Press “++“ plus sign on the keyboard, So that a new row will be inserted as shown below.

Example 3.2

Here we can see the difference: after “PALMER COCO BUTTER FORMULA JAR (100 G), ” two rows have been inserted, as we noticed in the previous screenshot.

Example #4 – Keyboard Shortcut Key

Consider the below example where we are going to insert a new column.

Example 4

In order to insert a new column using a keyboard shortcut, follow the below steps.

  • First, select the column where exactly we need to insert.

Example 4.1

  • Now apply the shortcut key SHIFT+CTRL++. Once we hit the shortcut key, a new column will be inserted, which is shown below.

Keyboard Shortcut Key example 4.2

We can see that a new column C has been inserted before the “BRAND” name in the above screenshot.

Things to Remember

  • In Microsoft Excel, inserting a new row in the workbook helps us add additional data, and wherever required, we can simply insert the row and be edited easily.
  • While inserting new rows, make sure that you have selected the exact rows/column.

Recommended Articles

This has been a guide to Insert Row Shortcut in Excel. Here we discuss the Insert Row Shortcut in Excel and how to use the Insert Row Shortcut in Excel along with practical examples and downloadable excel template. You can also go through our other suggested articles –

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  4. VBA Insert Row

Home / VBA / How to Insert a Row using VBA in Excel

In this tutorial, we will look at how to insert a row or a column using a VBA code in Excel. We will also explore what are the different ways to write a macro for this.

To insert a row using a VBA code, you need to use the “Entire Row” property with the “Insert” method. With the entire row property, you can refer to the entire row using a cell and then insert a new row there. By default, it will insert a single row before the cell that you have mentioned.

  1. First, specify a cell using the range object.
  2. Now, enter a dot (.) to get the list of properties and methods.
  3. After that, select the “Entire Row” property or type it.
  4. In the end, again enter a dot (.) and select the “Insert” method or type it.
Range("A1").EntireRow.Insert

Your code is ready here to insert a row. Now when you run this code, it will instantly insert a new row before cell A1.

Insert Multiple Rows

There are two ways to insert multiple rows in a worksheet that I have found. The first is the same insert method that we have used in the above example.

With this, you need to specify a range whose count is equivalent to the count of rows you want to insert. Now let’s say you want to insert 5 rows after, in that case, you can use a code like the following.

To be honest, I haven’t found this method quite useful because you need to change the range if you want to change the count of the rows.

So here’s the second method.

Dim iRow As Long
Dim iCount As Long
Dim i As Long

iCount = InputBox(Prompt:="How many rows you want to add?")
iRow = InputBox _
(Prompt:="After which row you want to add new rows? (Enter the row number")

For i = 1 To iCount
    Rows(iRow).EntireRow.Insert
Next i

When you run this code, it asks you to enter the number of rows that you want to add and then the row number where you want to add all those rows. It uses a FOR LOOP (For Next) to loop that number of times and insert rows one by one.

Insert Rows Based on the Cell Values

If you want to insert rows based on a cell value, then you can use the following code.

Dim iRow As Long
Dim iCount As Long
Dim i As Long

iCount = Range("A1").Value
iRow = Range("B1").Value

For i = 1 To iCount
    Rows(iRow).EntireRow.Insert
Next i

When you run this macro, it takes the count of rows from cell A1 and the row where you want to add rows from cell B1.

Insert a Row without Formatting

When you insert a row where the above row has some specific formatting, in that case, the row will also have that formatting automatically. And the simplest way to deal with this thing is to use clear formats. Consider the following code.

Rows(7).EntireRow.Insert
Rows(7).ClearFormats

When you run the above code, it inserts a new row before the 7th row. Now, what happens, when you insert a row before the 7th row that new row becomes the 7th row, and then the second line of code clears the formats from that row.

Insert Copied Row

You can also use the same method to copy a row and then insert it somewhere else. See the following code.

Application.CutCopyMode = False

With Worksheets("Data")

.Rows(5).Copy
.Rows(9).Insert Shift:=xlShiftDown

End With

Application.CutCopyMode = True

More Tutorials

    • Count Rows using VBA in Excel
    • Excel VBA Font (Color, Size, Type, and Bold)
    • Excel VBA Hide and Unhide a Column or a Row
    • Excel VBA Range – Working with Range and Cells in VBA
    • Apply Borders on a Cell using VBA in Excel
    • Find Last Row, Column, and Cell using VBA in Excel
    • Merge Cells in Excel using a VBA Code
    • Select a Range/Cell using VBA in Excel
    • SELECT ALL the Cells in a Worksheet using a VBA Code
    • ActiveCell in VBA in Excel
    • Special Cells Method in VBA in Excel
    • UsedRange Property in VBA in Excel
    • VBA AutoFit (Rows, Column, or the Entire Worksheet)
    • VBA ClearContents (from a Cell, Range, or Entire Worksheet)
    • VBA Copy Range to Another Sheet + Workbook
    • VBA Enter Value in a Cell (Set, Get and Change)
    • VBA Insert Column (Single and Multiple)
    • VBA Named Range | (Static + from Selection + Dynamic)
    • VBA Range Offset
    • VBA Sort Range | (Descending, Multiple Columns, Sort Orientation
    • VBA Wrap Text (Cell, Range, and Entire Worksheet)
    • VBA Check IF a Cell is Empty + Multiple Cells

    ⇠ Back to What is VBA in Excel

    Helpful Links – Developer Tab – Visual Basic Editor – Run a Macro – Personal Macro Workbook – Excel Macro Recorder – VBA Interview Questions – VBA Codes

    Alternatively, I found the following solution from https://www.pcmag.com/article/149833/insert-alternate-blank-rows-in-excel

    You can create the blank rows separately and then interleave them with the existing rows by sorting. To start, insert a new column to the left of the existing column A. Enter 1 in cell A1 and highlight column A all the way to the last row that contains data. From the Edit menu select Fill | Series and click on OK. Column A should now contain numbers from 1 to the total number of rows. Press Ctrl-C to copy these cells to the clipboard, click in the cell just below the last of them, and press Ctrl-V to paste. Now highlight the entire data area, including the new rows with just a number in column A. Select Sort from the Data menu and choose the No header row option in the resulting dialog box. Under Sort by select Column A, under Then by select column B, and click on OK. Finally, delete column A. You now have a blank row after every one of the original 1,000-odd rows.

    Because blank lines can often cause problems with charts or calculations, you may want a quick way to remove them. You can use a similar technique.

    Again, insert a new column to the left of column A and fill a series from 1 to the end of the data. Highlight the entire data area and sort by column B (the first column of real data). This will group all of the blank rows together. Next, highlight the data area again, and re-sort by column A. The blank lines are gone, and your data is restored to its original order. Finally, remove column A.


    Download Article

    A simple guide to adding one or more rows to your spreadsheet


    Download Article

    • Using Keyboard Shortcuts
    • |

    • Inserting a Row
    • |

    • Inserting Multiple Rows
    • |

    • Inserting Nonadjacent Rows
    • |

    • Video

    Trying to insert or delete rows in your Microsoft Excel worksheet? Whether you have new data or you’re removing duplicate entries, adding and removing rows is easy! You can add one or more rows using a keyboard shortcut. Or, if you’re trying to delete rows, you can select them and use the right-click menu to remove them from your spreadsheet. This wikiHow guide will show you how to insert and delete rows in Microsoft Excel.

    Things You Should Know

    • Click and select the row number above which you want to insert a new row.
    • Select multiple rows to insert multiple new rows.
    • Press Ctrl + Shift + + on your keyboard to insert new rows.
    • Or, right-click the selected rows and select “Insert” to add new rows.
    1. Image titled Insert Rows in Excel Step 1

      1

      Click the row number above which you want to insert a row. This will select and highlight the entire row. After making a spreadsheet in Excel, you sometimes need to insert rows between existing rows. This method does exactly that.

      • You can select multiple rows to insert that amount of rows above the selection.
      • For example, if you want to insert 3 blank rows above row 17, select rows 17, 18, and 19.
    2. Image titled Insert Rows in Excel Step 2

      2

      Press Ctrl+ Shift++. This will insert one or more rows (depending on how many you selected) above the selected rows.

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    1. Image titled Insert Rows in Excel Step 3

      1

      Select the sheet you’ll insert rows into. In your Excel workbook file, at the lower-left corner of the worksheet are some tabs. These tabs can either be labeled Sheet1, Sheet2, etc., or renamed to a name you prefer. Click on the sheet you will insert rows into.

    2. Image titled Insert Rows in Excel Step 4

      2

      Select a row. Do this by clicking on the number of the row found on the left of the screen.

      • For example, if you’re tracking your bills in Excel and want to add a purchase that you forgot to input, you can select the row below where you want to insert the new line.
    3. Image titled Insert Rows in Excel Step 5

      3

      Right-click the selected row. A context menu will pop out.

    4. Image titled Insert Rows in Excel Step 6

      4

      Select Insert. A row will be inserted above the one you selected.

      • Select Delete instead if you want to delete the selected row.
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    1. Image titled Insert Rows in Excel Step 7

      1

      Select the sheet you’ll insert rows into. In your Excel workbook file, at the lower-left corner of the worksheet are some tabs. These tabs can either be labeled Sheet1, Sheet2, etc., or renamed to a name you prefer. Click on the sheet you will insert rows into.

    2. Image titled Insert Rows in Excel Step 8

      2

      Select the number of rows you want to insert. To insert multiple rows, highlight the rows below where you want to insert rows. Highlight the same number of rows as you want to insert.

      • For example, if you want to insert four new rows, select four rows.
      • You can select multiple rows by clicking the first row number, holding Shift, then clicking the last row number.
    3. Image titled Insert Rows in Excel Step 9

      3

      Right-click the selected rows. A context menu will pop out.

    4. Image titled Insert Rows in Excel Step 10

      4

      Select Insert. The number of rows you highlighted will be inserted above the rows you selected.

      • Select Delete instead if you want to delete the selected rows.
      • Functions like the SUM Function will change their cell reference range when you insert rows. If you’re using a VLOOKUP function, you may need to re-enter the range depending on the structure of your formula.
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    1. Image titled Insert Rows in Excel Step 11

      1

      Select the sheet you’ll insert rows into. In your Excel workbook file, at the lower-left corner of the worksheet are some tabs. These tabs can either be labeled Sheet1, Sheet2, etc., or renamed to a name you prefer. Click on the sheet you will insert rows into.

    2. Image titled Insert Rows in Excel Step 12

      2

      Select the rows. To insert nonadjacent rows, hold down the CTRL key and select nonadjacent rows by left-clicking the row numbers using your mouse.

      • For example, you could select 3 nonadjacent rows to insert a new row above each selected row.
    3. Image titled Insert Rows in Excel Step 13

      3

      Right-click the selected rows. A context menu will pop out.

    4. Image titled Insert Rows in Excel Step 14

      4

      Select Insert. The number of rows you highlighted will be inserted above the rows you selected.

      • Select Delete instead if you want to delete the selected rows.
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