Manage Sheets rows & columns like a pro

Following on from the my post on rows and columns, let’s look at some more ways to control rows and columns in Google Sheets for a more organized sheet layout.

Selecting Multiple Rows or Columns

There are two easy ways to select multiple rows or columns. If the rows or columns are next to each other, just click on the first one, hold down the left mouse button, and drag to the last one. You’ll see them highlight as you go. You can then right-click the selection for quick access to options.

If they’re not next to each other, click the first one, hold down the Ctrl key (Cmd on a Mac), and click each row or column you want to add to your selection.

Deleting Unwanted Rows and Columns

Sheets start with 26 columns (A to Z) and 1000 rows (1 to 1000) by default, but if you’re only using a few, you can delete extras to make your sheet tidier and even improve loading speed.

To delete, select the unwanted rows or columns as described above, right-click, and choose “Delete columns X–X” or “Delete rows X–X.”

To add more, click the last columns or rows, right-click, and select “Insert X columns to the right” / “Insert X rows below” or use the “Add more rows” option at the bottom of the sheet.

Hiding and Unhiding Rows and Columns

To quickly hide unused rows or columns, right-click the row or column you want to hide and select “Hide row” or “Hide column.” Hidden rows and columns are shown by small triangle icons where the hidden area starts and ends. To unhide, click the triangles on either side.

Freezing Rows and Columns

Freezing keeps certain rows or columns visible while you scroll, for example, making it easier to keep headers in view.

To freeze, hover over the line between the first row or column, the cursor will change to a hand, then drag it down or across to lock the rows or columns you want. To unfreeze, simply drag the freeze line back.

Grouping Rows and Columns

Grouping lets you quickly collapse or expand groups of rows or columns, useful for large sheets.

To group columns, highlight the ones you want, right-click, select “View more column actions,” and choose “Group columns X–X.” A box with a minus sign appears, showing the group can be collapsed. Click to hide the columns; a plus sign will re-expand them. You can group rows similarly. To ungroup, right-click the grouping box and select “Ungroup.”

Check out my video which covers the content of this post in more detail:

Find more posts on how to use Google Sheets here.

Find quick tips videos on Google Sheets and the other Workspace apps here.