How to Delete Rows in Excel (7 Methods)
Deleting rows in Excel can seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you want to tidy up your spreadsheet or remove unwanted data, mastering this skill is essential. Whether it's to clean up data, fix errors, or make your sheet more readable, knowing how to delete rows is essential. In this article, we will walk you through several ways to delete rows in Excel, step-by-step.
Well, before starting, here is the difference between rows and columns:
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Rows |
Columns |
| Rows are horizontal lines of cells in an Excel worksheet. Each row is identified by a number, starting from 1 at the top. For example, Row 1 contains all the cells in that horizontal line. | Columns are vertical lines of cells. Each column is marked by a letter, starting with A for the first column. For instance, Column A includes all the cells in that vertical line. |
How to Delete Rows in Excel
Method 1: Delete a Single Row
If you need to delete just one row, Excel makes it quick and easy.
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Select the Row: Click on the row number on the left-hand side to highlight the entire row.
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Right-Click: Right-click the highlighted row.
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Click "Delete": From the menu, choose "Delete."
That's it! The row is now gone, and the rows below will shift up automatically.
Method 2: Delete Multiple Rows at Once
Got more than one row to delete? No problem. You can delete multiple rows in one go.
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Highlight the Rows: Click and drag your mouse over the row numbers on the left-hand side. You can also hold the "Ctrl" key while clicking each row number if they're not next to each other.
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Right-Click: Right-click any of the highlighted rows.
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Choose "Delete": Click "Delete" from the dropdown.
All selected rows will disappear, and the rows below will move up.
Method 3: Delete Rows Based on a Condition (Using Filters)
If you have a large dataset and only want to delete specific rows based on a condition, like blank rows or rows containing certain values, using filters can save time.
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Apply Filters:
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Select the entire data range or click on any cell within your data.
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Go to the "Data" tab and click "Filter."
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Filter the Data:
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Click on the filter arrow at the top of the column that contains the data you want to filter.
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Choose the condition (e.g., "Blanks" if you want to delete blank rows).
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Select Filtered Rows:
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Highlight the filtered rows by clicking the row numbers.
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Right-click and choose "Delete Row."
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Once you've deleted the rows, clear the filter by clicking the filter icon again and choosing "Clear Filter."
Method 4: Delete Blank Rows
Blank rows can clutter your Excel sheet, but removing them is easy.
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Select the Entire Dataset:
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Press "Ctrl + A" to select the entire sheet or manually select your data range.
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Find Blank Rows:
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Press "Ctrl + G" (or "F5") to open the "Go To" window.
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Click "Special," then choose "Blanks" and press "OK."
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Delete Blank Rows:
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With all blank cells selected, right-click and choose "Delete."
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In the dialogue box, select "Entire Row" and click "OK."
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Method 5: Delete Rows with Keyboard Shortcuts
For those who love keyboard shortcuts, here's a quick way to delete rows.
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Select the Row: Highlight the row by clicking the row number or use the arrow keys to move to the row.
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Press "Ctrl + -": This will instantly delete the selected row.
To delete multiple rows, first highlight them, then press "Ctrl + -."
Method 6: Delete Rows in Excel Online or Mac
The steps to delete rows in Excel Online or on a Mac are quite similar to the Windows version.
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Select the Row(s): Click on the row number(s) on the left.
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Right-Click: Right-click and choose "Delete" from the menu.
On a Mac, you can also use the "Cmd + -" shortcut instead of "Ctrl + -."
Method 7: Undoing a Row Deletion
Accidentally deleted a row? Don't worry—it's easy to undo.
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Use "Ctrl + Z": This is the quickest way to undo your last action.
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Use the Undo Button: You can also click the undo button (a curved arrow) in the top-left corner of Excel.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
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Accidental Deletion |
Protected Sheets |
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Accidental deletion can happen easily in Excel. Users often remove rows without meaning to. To fix this, use the Undo feature. Press Ctrl + Z immediately after the mistake. This action restores the deleted rows quickly. |
Hidden rows can cause confusion during deletion. Sometimes, users think they have deleted everything, but hidden rows remain. To resolve this issue, un-hide the rows first. Select the rows around the hidden ones, right-click, and choose "Unhide." After that, you can delete any unwanted data. | Protected sheets prevent changes, including deletions. If you cannot delete a row, check if protection is enabled. Go to the "Review" tab and look for "Unprotect Sheet." Enter the password if prompted. Once unprotected, proceed with deleting rows as needed. |
These troubleshooting steps help maintain data integrity in your Excel sheets. By addressing accidental deletions, hidden rows, and protected sheets, users can manage their data effectively.
Deleting rows in Excel is simple, whether you are dealing with a single row or cleaning up large datasets. With the methods outlined in this article, you can delete rows more efficiently, making your spreadsheets cleaner and more manageable. Try them out and see which one works best for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I delete a single row in Excel?
To delete a single row, right-click the row number on the left side and select "Delete." This will remove the entire row quickly and efficiently.
Can I delete multiple rows at once?
Yes, you can delete multiple rows by selecting them. Hold down the Ctrl key while clicking on each row number, then right-click and choose "Delete."
How do I delete rows based on specific criteria?
Use Excel's filtering feature. Filter your data to display only the rows you want to delete, select them, right-click, and choose "Delete Row."
What happens to my data when I delete rows?
Deleted rows are permanently removed from your spreadsheet. Ensure you back up your data or use the Undo feature if needed.
Is there a difference between deleting rows and columns?
Yes, deleting rows removes horizontal data, while deleting columns removes vertical data. Both actions impact your worksheet layout differently.
What common issues might arise when deleting rows?
Common issues include accidentally deleting important data or losing formatting. Always double-check your selection before confirming deletion.
Any tips for a smooth experience when deleting rows?
Always save your work before making bulk deletions. Consider using Excel's Undo feature if you make a mistake.
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