Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 21, 2018)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Inserting a blank row or column in your worksheet (between two rows or columns currently in use) is very easy in Excel. All you need to do is select the row or column that you want the new row or column to appear before. You then need to choose Columns from the Insert menu (to insert a column) or Rows from the Insert menu (to insert a row). Excel adjusts your worksheet so the new column or row appears as directed.
If you prefer to not use the menus or the mouse, you can use a keyboard shortcut to insert a row or column. All you need to do is select the row or column that you want the new row or column to appear before. Then, press Ctrl++ (that's Ctrl and the plus sign at the same time). Excel adjusts your worksheet so the new column or row appears as directed.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (1926) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Program Successfully in Excel! John Walkenbach's name is synonymous with excellence in deciphering complex technical topics. With this comprehensive guide, "Mr. Spreadsheet" shows how to maximize your Excel experience using professional spreadsheet application development tips from his own personal bookshelf. Check out Excel 2013 Power Programming with VBA today!
When you create a worksheet, it is common to place headings at the top of each column and the left of each row so you can ...
Discover MoreCombining workbooks that have cross-links to each other can offer some special challenges. This tip examines how you can ...
Discover MoreReferring to a range of cells on the current worksheet is easy. But what if you want to refer to a range on a number of ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2020-04-26 07:55:15
Willy Vanhaelen
You can also move (a) column(s) or row(s) with the keyboard.
- Select the column(s) row(s) you want to move and press Ctrl + X.
- Select the column or row you want to appear it/them to appear before and press Ctrl+ +.
2020-04-26 04:37:25
Dear Sirs!
It is also useful hint for deleting the row or column. For deleting I use shotrcut Ctrl + -.
Best regards, Štefan
2020-04-25 16:17:21
John Mann
I select the row belo or column to the right of where the new row or column is required, then right click and choose insert from the contect menu. Selecting 2 or more rows (clumns) at the same time results in 2 or more rows(clumns) being inserted.
2018-07-23 13:58:48
Ray Austin
In my XL 2003 "Alt Insert Row or Col "works fine
but nothing happens with "Control ++"
??
2018-07-21 14:23:56
Richard Wood
I'm surprised you didn't suggest adding the insert row and column icons to the main toolbar. I find it really handy to have them right in front of me whenever I want (which is pretty often). The insert row tool in particular is one that I probably use more than just about any other. They also really simplify moving or copying rows to new locations as well.
Love your tips. Keep up the great work.
Woody
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments