MS Excel: Rows & Columns Keyboard Shortcuts Windows, Mac, Web
- Fakhriddinbek
- May 5
- 2 min read
Working with rows and columns is fundamental to organizing and analyzing data in Microsoft Excel. Whether you're inserting new data, deleting outdated entries, or adjusting your layout, knowing the keyboard shortcuts for managing rows and columns can dramatically boost your productivity.
In this article, you'll find a complete list of row and column shortcuts for Excel 2021 on Windows, Mac, and Web, making spreadsheet editing faster and more efficient.
Speeds up structural changes in your data
Eliminates repetitive mouse clicks
Enables fluid editing during data analysis
Essential for working with large datasets
Complete Table: Row & Column Shortcuts in Excel
Action | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut | Excel for Web |
Insert row | Ctrl + Shift + "+" | Control + I or Cmd + Shift + K* | Ctrl + Shift + "+" |
Insert column | Ctrl + Shift + "+" | Same as above | Same as above |
Delete row | Ctrl + "-" | Control + - | Ctrl + - |
Delete column | Ctrl + "-" | Same as above | Same as above |
Select entire row | Shift + Space | Shift + Space | Shift + Space |
Select entire column | Ctrl + Space | Control + Space | Ctrl + Space |
Hide selected row(s) | Ctrl + 9 | Command + 9 | Not available |
Unhide row(s) | Ctrl + Shift + 9 | Command + Shift + 9 | Not available |
Hide selected column(s) | Ctrl + 0 | Command + 0 | Not available |
Unhide column(s) | Ctrl + Shift + 0 (Enable in Windows Settings) | Command + Shift + 0 | Not available |
Autofit column width | Alt + H + O + I | Ribbon only | Ribbon only |
Autofit row height | Alt + H + O + A | Ribbon only | Ribbon only |
Move row/column (after selection) | Drag using mouse (No default shortcut) | Same | Same |
Shortcut combinations on Mac may vary based on OS and keyboard layout.
Tips for Efficiency
Use Ctrl + Z immediately to undo any mistaken row/column action.
When inserting rows or columns, Excel will shift existing cells down or to the right—plan accordingly.
Combine selection shortcuts (like Ctrl + Space) with actions (like Ctrl + -) for powerful editing workflows.
Practical Example
Let’s say you're reviewing a financial report and need to add a new revenue row between Q1 and Q2 data:
Select the row below where you want the new row.
Press Ctrl + Shift + + (Windows) or Control + I (Mac).
The new row appears instantly.
Need to remove an empty column? Just select it with Ctrl + Space and press Ctrl + -.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to quickly manipulate rows and columns using Excel keyboard shortcuts transforms your workflow. You’ll save time, reduce fatigue, and become significantly faster in data handling tasks—especially when working with large datasets or preparing reports.
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