Select the affected columns (for example column C and D in the screenshot above).ģ. To resize the width of a column in order for it to fit the contents you can use the shortcut combination Alt+oca.Ģ. These shortcuts may sound somewhat difficult to remember, but if you do a lot of data entry they are well worth sticking on your computer monitor or some other conspicuous place with a post-it note or some old gum (not recommended!).ġ. * Resizing Rows and Columns There are many ways to resize rows and columns, but if you want to resize these without lifting your hands from the keyboard, read on. To launch the Insert menu (see screenshot below) which provides you with more specific options for inserting cells, rows and columns, press Ctrl+Shift++ (plus symbol) without selecting a row or column. You can press it repeatedly to insert more columns.ĥ. To insert a column, select the column to the left of which you wish to insert a new blank column.Ĥ. You can press it repeatedly to insert more rows.ģ. To insert a row, select the row above which you wish to insert new blank rows.Ģ. Excel provides us with shortcuts to do this really quickly and seamlessly.ġ. Whilst adding data you will often need to insert additional rows and/or columns in the middle of a section in your worksheet. Press Ctrl+-(minus symbol) to launch the Delete dialogue box (see screenshot below) and make a selection from the available options to delete rows or columns and to move unaffected cells up or down. To launch the Delete dialogue box, select a cell that is positioned in the row or column you wish to delete.ĥ. If you have more specific deletion requirements, you may want to consult the Delete dialogue box.Ĥ. This will delete the selected row or column.ģ. Press Ctrl+Shift+- (minus symbol) on your keyboard.
To quickly delete a row or column, use the shortcuts explained above to select a row or column.Ģ.
Keep your worksheets tidy and free from redundant data by using the shortcut selections below.ġ. In Excel you spend a lot of time inserting and subsequently deleting unnecessary cells, rows and columns.
This is handy for hiding blank columns for a more professional looking worksheet. If you want to select all blank columns at the end of your data (see screenshot below) you can select the first blank column and then press Ctrl+Shift+ the right directional arrow twice to select all columns to the end of the worksheet. You can also use combinations of Ctrl+Shift and pressing the directional arrows to select specific sections of your worksheet. To select a row without having to take your hands off the keyboard while entering data, use the shortcut combination Shift+Space. To select a column without having to take your hands off the keyboard while entering data, use the shortcut combination Ctrl+Space.Ģ. With worksheets which contain multiple rows and columns of data, it may sometimes be difficult to ascertain your position on the sheet, in which case selecting the row or column will quickly help you find your place.ġ. It may be that you want to apply specific formatting to a selected row or column or that you want to use the status bar to sum or count a column or row of numbers. There is great value to being able to select rows and columns quickly and efficiently. Test your Excel skills with the corresponding FREE Online Multiple ChoiceĮxcel Shortcuts for Inserting and Deleting Rows, Columns and Cells Test
Part of working smarter and not harder in Excel means becoming a pro at using keyboard shortcuts to insert and delete rows, columns and cells as well as adjust column width and row height. Excel Tutorial – Shortcuts for Inserting & Deleting Rows, Columns and Cells Excel Tutorial with corresponding Free Online Test Shortcuts for Inserting and Deleting Rows, Columns and Cells Excel Tutorial