Which of these methods can you use to insert a new row in a worksheet?

If you're a new or infrequent Excel user, you may not know or remember the various options for adding rows, columns, and individual cells in an existing worksheet.

This tutorial provides quick and easy steps to accomplish these tasks using the mouse, ribbon, or keyboard.

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Related Tutorial: How to Insert a Line Break (New Line) While Typing inside a Cell

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► Introduction

Inserting rows, columns, and cells can be tricky ... especially adding individual cells. When an individual cell is added, Excel must shift other cells either down, or to the right, and this can mess up your entire worksheet.

But at least Excel gives us multiple ways to add rows, columns, and cells. So take a moment and decide which method is easiest for you to use.

► How to Insert a Row

Select the row entire row BELOW where you want the new row. The cursor should turn into a black arrow as shown. Excel always inserts the new row above the selected row.

Then, do one of the following:

• Mouse: Right-click and click Insert.
• Ribbon: click Insert in the "Cells" section of the ribbon's "Home" tab.
• Keyboard: Press the Ctrl key, Shift key, and + key together.

The new row will have the same height as the row above it.

► How to Insert Multiple Rows Quickly

To insert multiple rows, insert the first row using one of the methods above. Then press the F4 key as many times as needed.

► How to Insert a Column

Select the column to the RIGHT of where you want the new column. Excel always inserts a new column to the left of the selected or highlighted column.

Then use one of the methods below to insert the column:

• Mouse: Right-click and click Insert.
• Ribbon: Click Insert in the "Cells" section of the ribbon's "Home" tab.
• Keyboard: Press the Ctrl key, Shift key, and + key together.

The new column will have the same width as the column to its left.

► How to Insert Multiple Columns Quickly

To insert multiple columns, insert the first column using one of the methods above. Then press the F4 key as many times as needed.

► How to Insert a Single Cell

When you want to insert an individual cell, Excel will ask if you want the selected cell and others to be shifted down, or if you want the selected cell and others to be shifted to the right.

Therefore, select the cell that is below or to the right of where you want the new cell inserted.

Then use one of the methods below to insert the individual cell:

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• Mouse: Right-click and click Insert. Then select "Shift cells right" or "Shift cells down."
• Ribbon: Click the arrow by Insert (Home tab), click Insert Cells and make your selection
• Keyboard: Press the Ctrl key, Shift key, and + key together. Then make your selection

► How to Insert Multiple Cells Quickly

Insert the first cell using one of the method above. Then press the F4 key to insert additional cells as required.

Inserting individual cells can really mess up your worksheet. Always look carefully at the results of your action before proceeding because you can always undo your actions by clicking the undo button at the top of the window.

We recommend How to Add and Delete Individual Cells in an Excel Worksheet.

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