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Excel 2000

Inserting and Deleting Rows and Columns

Page 1

Introduction

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

  • Insert rows and columns
  • Delete rows and columns

 

Page 2

Inserting Columns

In Excel, you can insert a column anywhere you need it. Excel moves the existing columns to make room for the new one.

To Insert a Column:

  • Click anywhere in the column where you want to insert a new column.
  • Choose Insert Lesson ActionColumns from the menu bar.
  • A new column is inserted to the left of the existing column.

OR

  • Click anywhere in the column where you want to insert a new column.
  • Right-click and choose Insert from the shortcut menu. The Insert dialog box opens.
  • Click the Entire Column radio button in the Insert dialog box.
  • A new column is inserted to the left of the existing column.

To Insert Multiple Columns:

  • Select more than one column.
  • Choose a method (menu or shortcut menu) to insert a new column.
  • The number of columns you originally selected are inserted into the spreadsheet.

Observe how the existing column C is moved to column D to make room for a new column (and new content).

Need to insert column into worksheet

Column Inserted

Page 3

Inserting Rows

You can insert a row in a spreadsheet anywhere you need it. Excel moves the existing rows down to make room for the new one.

To Insert a Row:

  • Click anywhere in the row below where you want to insert the new row.
  • Choose Insert Lesson ActionRows from the menu bar.
  • A new row is inserted above the cell(s) you originally selected.

OR

  • Click in the row below where you want to insert the new row. A cell in the row will be selected.
  • Right-click and choose Insert from the shortcut menu. The Insert dialog box opens.
  • Choose the Entire Row radio button. Click OK.
  • A new row is inserted above the cell(s) you originally selected.

Important pointTo quickly insert a row or column, select the row or column heading. Right-click to open the shortcut menu and add a new row.

Below, observe how the existing row 16 is moved to row 18 after a new row is inserted.

Need to insert rows

Rows inserted

Page 4

Deleting Columns and Rows

Deleting columns and rows is much like inserting columns and rows.

To Delete Columns and Rows:

  • Select one or more columns or rows.
  • To clear the content but leave the emptied row in place, press the Delete key on your keyboard.

OR

  • To delete the contents and remove the row or column, choose Edit Delete from the menu bar.
Page 5

Challenge!

Practice inserting and deleting columns and rows using one or more of the methods explained in this lesson.