Insert & delete rows and columns
Two shortcuts do all of it: Ctrl+Shift+= inserts and Ctrl+- deletes. Select the row first with Shift+Space (or the column with Ctrl+Space) and Excel acts on the whole line without asking.
Try it: press the keys on this sheet
Windows and Mac keys
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Select entire row | Shift+Space | ⇧Space |
| Insert row or column | Ctrl+Shift+= | ⌘⇧= or ⌃⇧= |
| Delete row or column | Ctrl+- | ⌘- or ⌃- |
| Select entire column | Ctrl+Space | ⌃Space |
Shortcut not working?
Excel shows a dialog instead of inserting
You had a single cell selected. Press R then Enter for an entire row, or select the row first with Shift+Space.
Ctrl+Shift+= zooms the page
You're in a browser version of Excel or another app has focus. Click into the sheet first.
Nothing happens on a laptop
Some laptops need the = key without Fn. Try Ctrl+Shift+Plus on the number pad, or Ctrl++ on keyboards with a dedicated plus key.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut to insert a row in Excel?
Select the row with Shift+Space, then press Ctrl+Shift+= (Ctrl and plus). On a Mac use Cmd+Shift+=.
How do I insert several rows at once?
Select as many rows as you want to add (Shift+Space, then Shift+Down), then press Ctrl+Shift+=. Excel inserts the same number of rows.
What is the shortcut to delete a row?
Select the row with Shift+Space and press Ctrl+- (Ctrl and minus). On a Mac use Cmd+-.