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Excel XP

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 a row

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 Rows from the menu bar.

    Insert and Rows Menu Selections

  • A new row is inserted above the cell(s) you originally selected.

OR

  • Click anywhere in the row below where you want to insert the new row.
  • Right-click and choose Insert from the shortcut menu.

    Insert Option on Shortcut Menu

  • The Insert dialog box opens.

    Insert Dialog Box

  • Choose the Entire Row radio button.
  • Click the OK button.
  • A new row is inserted above the cell(s) you originally selected.

    New Row Inserted into Spreadsheet

Select multiple rows before choosing Insert to add rows quickly. Excel inserts the same number of new rows that you originally selected.

Page 3

Inserting a column

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 Columns from the menu bar.

    Insert and Columns Menu Selections

  • 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.

    Insert Selection on Shortcut Menu

  • The Insert dialog box opens.

    Insert Dialog Box

  • Click the Entire Column radio button in the Insert dialog box.
  • Click the OK button.
  • A new column is inserted to the left of the existing column.

    Column Inserted into a Spreadsheet

You can also select multiple columns before choosing Insert to add columns quickly. Excel inserts the same number of new columns that you originally selected.

Page 4

Deleting columns and rows

Columns and rows are deleted in much the same manner as inserting columns and rows.

To Delete a Row and All Information in It:

  • Select a cell in the row to be deleted.
  • Choose Edit Delete from the menu bar.
  • Click the Entire Row radio button in the Delete dialog box.

    Delete Dialog Box

  • Click the OK button.

To Delete a Column and All Information in it:

  • Select a cell in the column to be deleted.
  • Choose Edit Delete from the menu bar.
  • Click the Entire Column radio button in the Delete dialog box.

    Delete Dialog Box

  • Click the OK button.
Page 5

Challenge

  • In column A, type the following names in cells A1, A2, A3 and A4, respectively:
    Mary, in cell A1
    Bob, in cell A2
    Susan, in cell A3
    John, in cell A4
  • In column B, type the following numbers next to each name entered in column A:
    44, in cell B1, to the right of Mary's name
    28, in cell B2, to the right of Bob's name
    36, in cell B3, to the right of Susan's name
    89, in cell B4, to the right of John's name
  • Insert a column between columns A and B. Type the following numbers in the new column B.
    76, in cell B1, to the right of Mary's name
    57, in cell B2, to the right of Bob's name
    29, in cell B3, to the right of Susan's name
    61, in cell B4, to the right of John's name
  • Insert a row between rows 2 and 3. Type the following numbers in the new row 3.
    Rick, in cell A3
    45, in cell B3
    58, in cell C3