Inserting Rows and Columns

Inserting Rows and Columns

Given the fact that every worksheet contains 256 columns and 65,536 rows, you would think that you would never need to add columns or rows to a worksheet, and that's true. However, you might need to insert a row or column between two rows or columns that already contain data. In such cases, you can use Excel's Insert command to add rows and columns right where you need them.

Inserting One or More Columns

When inserting columns, keep in mind that new columns are inserted to the left of the currently selected cell or column. To insert a column, follow these steps:

1. Click a cell in the column that is to the right of the place where you want the new column inserted. Or click the column's headingthe letter at the top of the column. (The new column will be inserted to the left of the selected column.)

2. Open the Insert menu and click Columns , as shown in Figure 5.7. Excel inserts a single column to the left of the currently selected column and adjusts the column letters accordingly .

Figure 5.7. You can insert a column to the left of the current column.

To insert multiple columns, drag over the same number of column headings as the number of columns you want to insert; for example, to insert three columns, drag over three column headings. Then choose Insert , Columns . Excel inserts the new columns to the left of the selected columns.

Tip

To insert a new column quickly, right-click the column letter that's to the right of the place where you want the new column inserted, and choose Insert .

Inserting One or More Rows

When inserting rows, keep in mind that new rows are inserted above the currently selected cell or row. To insert a row, follow these steps:

1. Click a cell in the row that's below the place where you want the new row inserted. Or click the row's headingthe row number at the far left of the row. (The new row will be inserted above the selected row.)

2. Open the Insert menu and click Rows , as shown in Figure 5.8. Excel inserts a single row above the currently selected row and adjusts the row numbers accordingly.

   Figure 5.8. You can insert a row above the current row.

   

Tip

To insert a new row quickly, right-click the row number of the row that's below the place where you want the new row inserted, and choose Insert .

To insert multiple rows, drag over the same number of row headings as the number of rows you want to insert; for example, to insert three rows, drag over three row headings. Then choose Insert , Rows . Excel inserts the new rows above the selected rows.