Lesson #ExcInt05: Microsoft Excel Delete Rows & Columns

Duration = 4 min

In Excel, deleting rows and columns is a common task used to remove unnecessary or redundant data from a worksheet. Excel offers several methods to delete rows and columns quickly and efficiently. Here's a description of how to delete rows and columns in Excel:

Deleting Rows:

1. Right-click Method:

   • Right-click on the row(s) you want to delete.
   • Select "Delete" from the context menu.
   • Excel will remove the selected row(s).

2. Shortcut Method:

   • Select the row(s) you want to delete.
   • Use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + - (minus sign)".
   • Excel will remove the selected row(s).

3. Home Tab Method:

   • Select the row(s) you want to delete.
   • Go to the "Home" tab in the Excel ribbon.
   • Click on the "Delete" dropdown in the Cells group.
   • Select "Delete Sheet Rows."
   • Excel will remove the selected row(s).

Deleting Columns:

1. Right-click Method:

   • Right-click on the column(s) you want to delete.
   • Select "Delete" from the context menu.
   • Excel will remove the selected column(s).

2. Shortcut Method:

   • Select the column(s) you want to delete.
   • Use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + - (minus sign)".
   • Excel will remove the selected column(s).

3. Home Tab Method:

   • Select the column(s) you want to delete.
   • Go to the "Home" tab in the Excel ribbon.
   • Click on the "Delete" dropdown in the Cells group.
   • Select "Delete Sheet Columns."
   • Excel will remove the selected column(s).

Key Points:

• When deleting rows or columns, all data and formatting in the deleted rows or columns will be removed permanently.
• If you delete rows or columns by mistake, you can use the "Undo" feature (Ctrl + Z) to restore them immediately.
• You can delete multiple rows or columns at once by selecting multiple rows or columns before using any of the above methods.
• The "Delete Sheet Rows" and "Delete Sheet Columns" options in the Delete dropdown menu are also available in the right-click context menu when rows or columns are selected.

In summary, deleting rows and columns in Excel is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using various methods, including right-clicking, keyboard shortcuts, or the Delete dropdown menu. These options provide users with flexibility and efficiency when managing data within a worksheet.