Delete Rows, Columns, or Cells in Excel (Ctrl + "-")
Deleting rows, columns, or cells allows you to remove unwanted data efficiently without manually selecting and clearing content.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + - | Cmd + - |
What Does This Shortcut Do?
The shortcut opens the Delete dialog box where you can choose to delete entire rows, entire columns, or shift cells up or left depending on your needs.
How to Delete Rows, Columns, or Cells
- Select the row, column, or cell range you want to delete
- Press Ctrl + - (Windows) or Cmd + - (Mac)
- Choose the appropriate option in the dialog box and click OK
Tips & Best Practices
- Always double-check selection before deletion to avoid data loss
- Use undo (Ctrl + Z) if you delete something accidentally
- Combine with filtering to delete specific rows efficiently
FAQ
- Q: Can I delete multiple rows or columns at once?
- A: Yes, select multiple rows or columns before using the shortcut.
- Q: Does this shortcut delete cell content or entire rows/columns?
- A: It depends on your selection and the dialog box option you choose.
- Q: Can I undo deleted rows, columns, or cells?
- A: Yes, press Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac) immediately after deletion.