Excel 2003

Inserting and Deleting Rows and Columns

Introduction

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

  • Insert rows and columns
  • Delete rows and columns

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 button in the Delete dialog box.

    Delete Dialog Box
  • Click the OK button.

Challenge!

  • Open your Monthly Budget file.
  • Delete the blank column B.
    After you delete column B, it may look like this: Delete Column B
  • Save and close the document.