Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Spreading Out Worksheet Rows.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 20, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Sometimes you may get a worksheet from someone else, and you need some room to work on the information provided. For instance, you may find it helpful to add some blank rows between each of the original rows in a data table. While this can be done rather easily using the Insert menu, it can quickly become tedious—particularly if you have a large table that you want to spread out.
The following macro will help you tremendously in this situation. All you need to do is select the first row in the data table. When you run the macro, it asks you how many blank rows you want to insert between the original rows. When you provide a number, the macro steps through the table and starts inserting blank rows. The macro stops when the first blank cell after the original table is detected.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here:
Sub SpreadOut()
Dim iBlanks As Integer
Dim J As Integer
iBlanks = InputBox("How many blank rows?", "Insert Rows")
ActiveCell.Offset(1, 0).Select
While ActiveCell.Value > "" And iBlanks > 0
For J = 1 To iBlanks
Selection.EntireRow.Insert
Next J
ActiveCell.Offset(iBlanks + 1, 0).Select
Wend
End Sub
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2344) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Spreading Out Worksheet Rows.
Dive Deep into Macros! Make Excel do things you thought were impossible, discover techniques you won't find anywhere else, and create powerful automated reports. Bill Jelen and Tracy Syrstad help you instantly visualize information to make it actionable. You’ll find step-by-step instructions, real-world case studies, and 50 workbooks packed with examples and solutions. Check out Microsoft Excel 2019 VBA and Macros today!
One of the automatic macros you can set up in Excel is one that is triggered when a workbook is closed. This tip explains ...
Discover MoreWhen storing text in a worksheet, you may have a need to change the case of that text so that the initial letter in each ...
Discover MoreStrings are used quite frequently in macros. You may want to swap the contents of two string variables, and you can do so ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
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